27 Sep 2019 7 min to read
Blog-Tiji Festival- Blend in the vibrant colors of Mustang. Tiji is a charismatic Festival lasting for three days in the region of Mustang or traditionally all over the ‘Kingdom of Lho’ in the month of May. Tibetan rituals, traditional dances, and gatherings in the monasteries marks the nearing of this festival in the region. One can expect colorful decorations all around and local dress with ornaments in the Tiji festival throughout Mustang. If we follow the Tibetan (lunar) calendar, this festival pinpoints the ending of its twelfth month.
Tiji festival is not only the most auspicious of festivals in Mustang but also a significant occasion to pass down the traditions from one generation to another. It is a light that the local people believe in for the wellbeing of themselves and others. Travelers who find themselves in these areas can sail in with some unique shades of Mustang and collect some valuable memories as well. Connect with our team for more elaborate information and insights about this magical Yearly occasion in the Himalayas.
History and Legends Surrounding the Tiji Festival in Mustang
The Tiji Festival has been in continuation for centuries now, and some physical proofs can be found from the 17th century. According to the legends here, a deity by the name Dorjo Jono protected the Kingdom of Mustang from devastation by battling against his own father. His father was a devilish figure tormenting the locals of the area by bringing drought to the area in such a desolate region. He defeated the Demon and made it flee from the Kingdom for a long time. This festival is celebrated as an honor to Dorjo Jono and praying for the longevity of the peace and prosper in the mustang region.
Dorje Jono (Dorje Phurba) or also locally known as Vajrakila/Vajrakumar is the name of a deity Yidlam in Vajrayana Buddhism. This form was introduced first in Tibet by the lights of Buddhist masters like Padmasambhava, Vimalamitrafrom Tibet and Shilamnju from Nepal to the other parts of Asia around the 8th century. Among the many lineages of Vajrakila practices in Tibet, the Khon tradition Kila (or Phurba) is a major practice in Tibetan Buddhism carried out by the Sakyapa schools and monasteries. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) himself instructed the major dance steps which are followed in the Sacred Vajrakila dance performed during the Tiji festival by the monks in the selected monasteries of the world.
In Nepal, the Chhode monastery of Lo-Manthang is popular among travelers for the performances signifying the ancient Vajrakila practices and rituals. The celebration here and the name of Tiji or Tenchi commenced in the early period of the 17th century during the reign of king Samdup Rabten of Lho.
He invited Sakiya Trizin Ngawang Kunga Sinam in the then capital of Mustang, Lo-Manthang. After arrival, Sakya Trizin Ngawang Kunga Sinam resided in this very monastery here and performed the Vajrakila rituals for dispelling the negative elements present, then in Mustang. Alongside the meditation of Vajrakila, he passed this religious dance to the monks here, and the rituals and dance have been carried out each year during the Tiji festival at the monastery.
Experience the authentic and unique culture
In the courtyard of the Royal Mustang palace, this dance is carried out by the monks during these three days of Tiji festival. There is a regulation that the leading dancer or Tsowo must have to practice for the very occasion more than three months prior to the festival. The locals from all the seven major villages of Upper Mustang gather in the monastery for the performance which is also attended by the royal family. Here we have broken down the rituals and dances carried out during each day of the festival.
The Rituals and the Festival
First Day: – The monks perform the ancient dance by the name ‘Tsa Chaam’ which narrates the story of the birth of ‘Dorji Sonam’ a reincarnation of Lord Buddha to confront the Demon. Having brought havoc in the country, the Demon also harassed the locals and Kingdom, which is shown by the performance of the monks. The dance covers the situations before and during the difficult days of the Demon in Mustang.
Second day: – The monks today will perform the ‘Nga Cham’ dance. It focuses on the duel of Dorjee Sonam with the devil in the attempts to make the Demon return to the Buddha Realm.
Third day: – The monks today will perform the ‘Rha Cham’ dance. It marks the triumph of Dorjee Sonam (Jono) over the evil Demon finally and its forceful banishment from the Kingdom of Mustang by him.
The demon ‘Ma Tam Ru ta’ is thrown in the form of effigy made with Tsampa (barley), by the monk playing Dorjee Sonam. The defeat embarks the beginning of the peace and prosperity in Mustang and the hopes of spreading the peace throughout the world.
* Join the locals and be a part of the celebration
Visitors are welcomed with open hands to witness and be a part of the joy and celebrations during the Tiji Festival here. Near the border to Tibet, China, you can feel the components of Tibetan culture, architecture, and cuisine during your visit here. Chat with the locals and know their part focusing the legends and past stories of the festivals. Similarly, the views surrounding you is another reason to relish your every moment here.
* Tiji Festival for the Year 2020
The date for the Tiji festival for the year 2020 is from late May to early April. So, to be there in the right period, you must arrive in Nepal a week prior and commence the trekking with a couple of days of arrival. You can consult us for more detailed information on this purpose.
* Permits to witness this magical experience at the monasteries of Upper Mustang
Permits are the same for entering the prohibited regions of Upper Mustang and the Kingdom of Lho that is applicable throughout the year. No extra charges are required for the visit apart from these festive times. The charges for the permits are as follows: –
- USD 500 per person (for the first 10 days)
- USD 50 per person /Day (beyond 10 days)
* Outdoor Himalayan Special Treks for the Tiji festival
Outdoor Himalayan Treks conducts annual Upper Mustang trek overlapping the Tiji festival celebration in the very region. This is an opportunity of a lifetime which is managed by our perfect guides for the trek. This 16-18 days trek will also include the details of the main trail in Upper Mustang while highlighting the main three festival days significantly. Fluent in English as well as the local languages, you will miss not a single delight of the Tiji festival or Upper Mustang with the Outdoor Himalayan team. Book your place for this year and be a part of the trek for this epic journey to Upper Mustang.
* So why be in Upper Mustang for the Tiji Festival
- Three days of annual historical and cultural Buddhist Tiji festival
- Explore the walled city of Lho, meet the locals, and an opportunity to blend with them.
- Dances and cultural attires showcasing the best bits of these regions
- A short hike will take you to the Historical Chhosar cave and near the Tibetan border
- Local cuisine, sweets, and wines to follow every day throughout the festival
- Beautiful weather perfect for the landscape and Himalayan views
- An opportunity to appreciate the centuries-old gompas and the art and architecture they treasure.
- Join the Buddhist pilgrims and devotees from all around the country
- Authentic experiences of exploring/trekking in the gifted regions of Upper Mustang.
