Festivals
in Tibet:- (see below chart for exact dates)
1- Tibetan New Year
The greatest festival in
Tibet. In ancient times, when the peach
trees were in blossom, it was considered
the start of a new year. Since the systematization
of the Tibetan calendar in 1027 AD, the
first day of the first month became fixed
as the new year.
On New Year's day, families unite,
an "auspicious dinner" is offered, and
the auspicious words "Tashi Delek" are
greeted.
2- Great Prayer Festival
The greatest religious festival in Tibet.
Instituted by Tsongkapa in 1409, the founder
of the Gelukpa Sect. Monks from the Three
Great Monasteries of Tibet assemble in
Jorkhang to pray to Shakyamuni's image
as if it were the living Buddha. Philosophical
debates are held among candidates for the
Doctorate of Metaphysics. Pilgrims come
from every corner of Tibet and donations
are offered to monks.
3- Butter Lamp Festival
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.
The festival flourished since.
4- Gyantse Horse Race and Archery
Horse racing and archery
are very popular in Tibet, Contests in
early times included horse races, archery,
and shooting on galloping horse-back followed
by a few days' entertainment or picnicking.
Presently, ball games, track and field
events, folk songs and dances, also form
part of the celebrations.
5- The World Incense Day
Gods in heaven are believed
to descend to the mortal world on this day.
Much incense is burnt and picnics are prevalent
in public parks.
6- Six-Four Festival
Believed to be the day Buddha
gave his first sermon. People celebrate the
festival by paying visits to holy mountains.
7- Shoton Festival
The Opera Festival and the greatest of
festivals in Tibet. In ancient times, pious
people went into mountain hermitages to
do penance. On the last day, yogurt is
served as a meal followed by folk songs
and dances. Since the 7th century, opera
performances have been held in Norbulingka.
Presently, opera contests and the distribution
of prizes last for seven days.
8- Bathing Week
It is believed when the
sacred planet Venus appears in the sky,
the water in the river becomes purest and
can cure diseases. During its appearance
for the first week all townspeople in Lhasa
go to the river for bathing.
9- Death of Tsongkapa
Tsongkapa, the great reformer
of Tibetan Buddhism and founder of the
Gelugpa Sect, died on this day in 1419.
In memory of that day, every household
burns countless butter-lamps on roof-tops
and chant prayers in his honor. Late in
the evening Tibetan dumplings are served
for supper.
10- Driving Off Evil Spirits
At the eve of Tibetan New
Year, 29th of the twelfth month, religious
dances are performed in monasteries for
driving off the evil spirits of the past
year. At night, in every household, traditional
means of driving off evil spirits are carried
out by burning bundles of straw and throwing
rubbish on to the streets. The Year-End
Dumpling is served for supper.
11- Saga Dawa
It is the holiest day in
Tibet. Three memorable occasions coincide
on this day: Buddha's birth, Buddha's death
and Buddha's enlightenment. Almost every
person within Lhasa joins in circumambulations
around the city and spend the late afternoon
on picnicking at "Dzongyab Lukhang" near
the Potala Palace..
Rigorous overland driving, trekking and camping
in Tibet at altitudes between 4390m/14400ft and 5150m/ 16,900ft.
Overland travel from Lhasa to Kathmandu, with nine days trekking
in the Mt. Everest and Shisapangma areas.
The greatest festival in
Tibet. In ancient times, when the peach
trees were in blossom, it was considered
the start of a new year. Since the systematization
of the Tibetan calendar in 1027 AD, the
first day of the first month became fixed
as the new year. 
Horse racing and archery
are very popular in Tibet, Contests in
early times included horse races, archery,
and shooting on galloping horse-back followed
by a few days' entertainment or picnicking.
Presently, ball games, track and field
events, folk songs and dances, also form
part of the celebrations.
It is the holiest day in
Tibet. Three memorable occasions coincide
on this day: Buddha's birth, Buddha's death
and Buddha's enlightenment. Almost every
person within Lhasa joins in circumambulations
around the city and spend the late afternoon
on picnicking at "Dzongyab Lukhang" near
the Potala Palace.. 
