In our snow land Tibet, nothing more is so bright and so string as the numerous fascinating traditional festivals. Almost every month sees one or tow festivals have formed a charming festivals exciting people’s heartstring. These festivals, either of tradition, or of folk customs, or of religious feeling, have formed a charming festival series.
Introduction
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 New Year’s Day, families unite, “ auspicious dipper” is offered, and the auspicious words “Tashi Delek” are greeted.
It is the greatest festival in Tibet. Instituted by Tsong Khapa in 1409, founder of Ghelukpa sect. Monks from Three Great monasteries of Tibet assemble in Jokhang for pray to Shakyamuni’s image as if it were the living Buddha. Philosophical debates are held among candidates for the Doctor of Metaphysics. Pilgrims come from every corner of Tibet and donation are offered to monks.
It is the last day of the great Prayer Festival. In order to celebrate Shakyamuni’s Victory over non - Buddhist opponents, the Lord of Neu Dzong. A noted patron of Tsongkapa, illuminated numerous butter-lamps in 1409. Ever since the festival flourished.
Horse race and archery are generally popular in Tibet and Gyantse enjoys prestige of being the earliest in history by starting in 1408. Contest in early times including horse, archery, and shooting on gallop followed by a few days entertainment or picnicking. Presently, ball games, track and field events, folk songs and dances, barter trade are in addition to the above.
Greated by the 1st Dalai 500 years ago, the festival held at Tashilumbu Temple for 3 days, is an important religious activity for chanting and praying and also leisure time for the locals in rear Tibet. In these days various portraits of Buddha hand - embroidered on silk or stain are exhibited each day.
Yarlung culture is an important part not only Tibetan culture but also of the worlds. The festival is to display the new expectation as well as the old brilliance. It provides colorful activity as national sport contests singing, dancing, Tibetan opera and ethnic costume shows. It also offers joyful leisure time at Tsedang.
God in heaven is believed to descend to the mortal world on this day. Incense is burnt in large scale and picnicking is done in public parks.
It is believed the Buddha gave his first sermon on this day. People celebrate the festival by paying visit to holy mountains.
The most important festival in Northern Tibet during the golden season on the grassland. Thousands of herdsmen throng to Nakchu, and from a city of tents at the southern part. There will be local products barter and on show thrilling horse race, horsemanship, archery. Song and dance group will also added to fun.
It is the Opera festival and the greatest festival in Tibet. In ancient times pious folks went into mountain hermitages to do penance, and on the last of which yogurt was served for meal followed by entertainments of folk song and dances. Since the 7th century, opera performances were held for days in the Nurbu Lingka. Presently, opera contest and distribution of prizes are held for seven days.
Shannan is always known as “Tibetan Granery”. With the abundance of material products, the convenience of easy traffic, the Commodity - Fair, begun in 1981, characterized by means of barter, is aimed at promoting the local economy, enlarging the material exchange of the folks Meantime, borderers and people from nearby. Tradesmen from home and bordering countries pour into Tsedang and make the whole town joyous and busy with trade.
At the eve of Tibetan New Year, 29th of the twelve month religious dances are preformed in monasteries for driving of the evil spirits of the past year. At night in every household traditional means of driving off the evil sprits is carried on by burning bundles of straws and throwing on crossroad. “ Year-end dumpling” is served for supper.
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