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| Tibetan
festivals and events follow the ancient Tibetan
calendar that was systematized in 1027. Thus, there
is not a fixed day of English calendar when the
festivals take place |
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The
Tibetan New Year is reglemented by the systematization
of the Tibetan calendar in 1027 and follows the
Chinese New Year. Before that, the year started
in Tibet with the blossoming of the peaches.
On this day, families unite greeting with the
auspicious "tashi delek". |
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Following
the Tibetan New Year, this is the greatest religious
festival in Tibet. It was instituted in 1409
by the founder of the Gelukpa Sect, Tsongkapa.
In Jorkhang monks from the Three Great Monasteries
of Tibet assemble to pray to Sakyamuni and hold
philosophical debates among candidates for the
Doctorate of Metaphysics. From all over Tibet
pilgrims come to pray and donate to the monks.
The festival lasts nearly two weeks. |
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The
last day of the Great Prayer Festival celebrates
the victory of Sakyamuni over non-Buddhist opponents.
The festival was established by the Lord of Neu
Dzong in 1409 with the illumination of countless
butter lamps. |
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Gyantse
Horse Race and Archery |
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Every
June, people from all over Tibet gather in Gyantse
for horse racing, archery and barter trade. In
modern times, ball games, racing, folk songs
and dances were added. While horse racing and
archery is popular all over Tibet, Gyantse is
proud of being the oldest such event, being started
in 1408. |
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On
this day, the Gods in heaven are said to descend
to earth. Huge amounts of incense is being burnt.
Many people go for a picnic in the parks. |
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The
day that Buddha gave his first sermon is celebrated
with visits to holy mountains. |
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Held
in August or beginning of September, the "Opera
Festival" is one of the greatest festivals
in Tibet. During seven days, opera performances
and contests are held. Since the 7th century,
Norbulingka was the centre for this festival. |
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| When
the sacred planet Venus apears for a week, all
the people from Lhasa bath in the river, since
it is said that the water becomes pure and can
even cure disease. |
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In
memory of the great reformer of Tibetan Buddhism,
his death on that day in 1419 is still remembered.
People burn butter lamps on the roofs and pray.
In the evening, Tibetan dumplins are served as
supper. |
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At
the end of the Tibetan year, religious dances
to drive off evil spirits are help in monasteries
all over Tibet. Every houshold burns bundles
of straw and throws rubbish on the streets. The
Year-End-Dumpling is served for supper. |
