Tibet has some amazing festivals that are still unknown to most outsiders. With the subtle introduction of tourism here these are bound to change, such as the magic of Tibetan culture and festivals. The first thing that stands out during these festivals is the appreciation and devotion towards Buddhism here. The monasteries are decorated and the streets are full of life and happiness during these special occasions. Traditional activities, rituals, songs, dances, ornaments, and art are some must-see components of any Tibetan festival. Communities and members of society bring out the treats and delights for travelers as an added excitement.
1. Losar (Tibetan New Year)
Losar is the major festival in Tibet being the Tibetan New year. Although this festival is celebrated in some parts and communities of Nepal, Bhutan, and India, Tibet is where you can have complete and unique experiences. It lasts for three days i.e., the first to the third day of the lunisolar Tibetan calendar. Apart from this obvious landmark each year, Losar signifies the victory of good vs. evil. Traditional songs and dances here also repeat several historic and religious events of Tibet. Locals gather and celebrate the festival with local snacks and drinks. Apart from the main celebration, Losar lasts over two weeks.
2. Saka Dawa Festival
Saka Dawa Festival is a festival of high spiritual and religious significance in Tibet. This festival falls on the 15th day (full moon) of the fourth month in the Tibetan Calendar. This festival celebrates the birth, enlightenment as well as entry to Nirvana of Sakyamuni Buddha which all are believed to be on this same day. The Jokhang Temple in Lhasa sees one of the major gatherings of locals and devotees for the Saka Dawa Festival.
3. Shoton Festival
Shoton Festival is a festival full of traditional activities and unique rituals celebrated around the major monasteries of Tibet. It is a week-long celebration taking place on the last day of the sixth month of the Tibetan year. A massive (approx. 500 sq. meters) Thangka portrait of Buddha is dramatically unveiled to mark the start of the Shoton Festival at Drepung Monastery. Norbulingka Palace and Sera Monastery are the next largest gathering place for devotees for Shoton. Apart from the religious components, the views and landscapes of Tibet are best visible during this festival.
4. Chunga Choepa (Butter Lamp Festival)
Chunga Choepa is part of the Tibetan New Year celebration marking the end on the fifteenth day of the first month. The legends also mark the victory of Shakyamuni Buddha over his opponents in religious and spiritual debates. People light several lamps and celebrate them with songs and dances throughout the night. On the premises of Barkhor Street, there are displays of massive butter and Tsampa sculptures.
5. Gyantse Damar Festival
The Gyantse Damar festival started as an athletic competition somewhere in the 15th century. As of today, this festival has several religious and spiritual attributes making Gyantse Damar an important traditional festival. Horse racing and sports are still the main attraction with hundreds of decorated horses taking part in different events. Similarly, Tibetan Opera and singing, archery, and beautiful dances also make the list for the not-to-miss list of spectators. A large local market is also operated here where visitors can take a glance at local products.
6. Ganden Thangka Festival
Ganden Thangka Festival is a festival falling on the same day as Shoton Festival. As the unveiling of the Buddha Thangka is considered a very important ceremony, these days are significant for the Tibetan locals. Ganden Thangka Festival signifies the enlightenment of a well-known Tibetan philosopher Tsongkhapa. Devotees are gathered around the monastery very early in the morning. Once the Thangka is unveiled by the head monk of Ganden pilgrims take blessing from it. The celebrations then continue with masked dances, and acts. Songs and dances are all around with locals in traditional dress and ornaments.
7. Wongkor (Harvest Festival)
Wongkor has long been the second biggest festival behind Losar in Tibet. Almost all the farming communities celebrate Wongkor with shared joy and happiness. On the seventh month of the Tibetan Lunar Calendar Wongkor marks the successful harvest of the crops. Locals make several offerings to the Bon priests who then proceed to conduct religious ceremonies. Once the prayers are complete celebrations follow with different local snacks and drinks. Folk songs are sung and there are several small Opera performances. Strength sports, archery, and horse riding are the other fantastic delights of the Wongkor festival.