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 The Main Folk Festivals in Tibet
Tibetan New Year (February or March)
It is the greatest festival in Tibet. In ancient times when the
peach tree was in blossom, it was considered as the starting of
a new year. Since the systematization of the Tibetan calendar in
1027 A.D., the first day of the first month became fixed as the
new year . On the New Year's day, families unite " auspicious
dipper" is offered and the auspicious words " tashi delek" are
greeted.
Saga Dawa Festival (May or June)
It is the holiest in Tibet, there memorable occasions coincide
on this day, Buddha's birth and Buddha's enlightenment. Almost
every person within Lhasa join in circumambulations round the
city and spend their late afternoon on picnic at " Dzongyab
Lukhang" park at the foot of Potala.
Gyantse Horse Race & Archery (May or June)
Horse race and archert are generally popular in Tibet,
and Gyantse enjoys prestige of being the earliest in history by
starting in 1408. Contests in early times included horse race,
archery, and
Shooting on gallop followed by a few days' entertainment or
picnicing. Presently, ball games, track and field events, folk
songs and dances, barter trade are in addition to the above.
Changtang Chachen Horse Race Festival (10
August)
As the most important festival in North Tibet during the golden
season on the grassland, thousand of herdsmen throng to Nakchu
riding fine horses, and carryon the local products. They form as
city
Of tens south of Nakchu town. There will be thrilling horse
race, archery and demonstrations of horsemanship. Songs and
dance troupes from all part of Tibet will add to the fun.
Shoton Festival ( August)
It is the opera festival and the greatest festivals in tibet. In
ancient times pious folks went into mountain hermitages for
penance, and on the last day of which Yoghort was served for
meal followed by entertainment of folk songs and daces. Since
7th century, opera performances were held for days in Norbu
Lingka. Presently, opera contests and distribution of prizes are
held for seven days.
Harvest Festival( September)
The farmers in Lhasa, Gyantse and Shangnan to celebrating their
bumer harvest in this time. During that time, people enjoy with
horse racing games, costum fashion show, songs and dance
Archery and picnic etc.
The Main Folk Festivals Bathing Week
(September)
It is believed when the sacred planet Venus appears in the sky,
the water in the river becomes purest and cure diseases. During
its appearance for one week in the sky, all the people in Tibet
go
Into the river for bathing.
Kungbu Traditional Festival (November of
December)
Long long ago, when Tibet was in danger of large scale invasion,
the Kongpo people sent out an army to defend their homeland. It
was in September and the soldiers worried that they might miss
the New Year, highland barley wine and other good things. So
people had the Tibetan New Year on
1st October ahead of time. To memorize those brave soldiers
Kongpo people present three sacrifices an stay up at night from
then on. And now it has become the Kongpo Festival for
entertainment like Kongpo dancing, horse race, archery and
shooting.
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