Major Festivals in Tibet

Tibet has several major festivals throughout the year, some of which include:

Tibetan New Year:

Tibetan New Year, also known as Losar, is the most important festival in Tibet, celebrated for 15 days in February or March. It is a time for families to come together, offer prayers and make offerings to the deities. During the festival, Tibetans perform religious rituals, hang prayer flags, light butter lamps, and eat special foods like "guthuk" soup. The festival is a time for renewal, forgiveness, and gratitude, and it is an important part of Tibetan culture and tradition.

Losar:
The Tibetan New Year celebrated in February or March with various rituals and activities, including offering prayers and incense to deities and performing traditional dances.

Saga Dawa Festival:
Celebrated in May or June to mark the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha Shakyamuni, and it involves various religious activities such as circumambulating sacred sites and performing charitable acts.

Shoton Festival:
Celebrated in August, it involves the unveiling of the giant Thangka painting of Buddha at the Drepung Monastery, followed by various cultural activities and performances.

Gyantse Horse Racing and Archery Festival:
Celebrated in August, it features horse racing and archery competitions, as well as various cultural activities and performances.

Tashilhunpo Festival:
Celebrated in October or November, it involves the unveiling of a giant Thangka painting of the Buddha at the Tashilhunpo Monastery, followed by various cultural activities and performances.

Monlam, the Great Prayer Festival:
Monlam, also known as the Great Prayer Festival, is a major Buddhist festival celebrated in Tibet. It is usually held in February or March and lasts for 15 days. During this time, monks and laypeople gather in monasteries and perform various religious rituals and ceremonies, including chanting prayers and offering offerings to the Buddha. The festival is also a time for meditation, reflection, and acts of kindness and generosity. The Great Prayer Festival is considered one of the most important events in Tibetan Buddhism and attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world.

Nakchu Horse Race Festival:
The Nakchu Horse Race Festival is a traditional festival celebrated in the Nakchu region of Tibet. It usually takes place in August and lasts for several days. The festival is centered around horse racing, which is an important part of Tibetan culture and tradition. In addition to the races, there are also cultural performances, traditional food and drink, and opportunities to buy handicrafts and souvenirs. The Nakchu Horse Race Festival is a vibrant and colorful celebration of Tibetan heritage and attracts visitors from all over the world.

Harvest Festival (Ongkor in Tibetan):
The Harvest Festival, also known as Ongkor, is a traditional Tibetan festival that celebrates the end of the harvest season. It is usually held in September or October and lasts for several days. During the festival, Tibetans thank the deities for the bountiful harvest and make offerings to them. They also participate in traditional dances, sing folk songs, and enjoy a variety of traditional foods and drinks. The Harvest Festival is an important part of Tibetan culture and heritage, and it provides an opportunity for families and communities to come together and celebrate their blessings.

List of Festivals,Dates in English Calender

Festivals

2023

2024

Tibetan New Year (Losar)

Feb 11

Jan 31st

Monlam Prayer Festival

Feb 22 - March 2

Feb 11 - Feb 19

Butter Lamp/Choe-Nga Choepa

Mar 19

March 7

Saga Dawa

June 1

May 20

Gyantse Horse Race

July 28- Aug 3

Aug 15-21

Thanka Unveiling at Tashilhunpo

July 7

June 26

Zamling Chisang/Samya Dolde

Nov 18

Nov 6

Choekor Duechen

Aug 13

Aug 1

Shoton Festival

Aug 14-20

Sep 2-8

Nagchu Horse Race

Aug 8-14

Aug 26- Sep 1

Lhabab Dhechen                   

Nov 7

Oct 26

Palden Lhamo Festival

Dec 23

Dec 11

Gaden Nga-Choe

Dec 29

Dec 17

Gaden Thanka Unveiling

June 11

May 31

Harvest Festival (Ongkor in Tibetan)

Oct 21

Oct 9

 

 

 

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