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Tibet > General Information > Events
Tibetan festivals and events follow the ancient Tibetan calendar that was systematized in 1027. Thus, there is not a fixed day of our calendar when the festivals take place, but rather the dates are discerned by the higher Tibetan religious instances.
With the number of Chinese living in Tibet increasing, the Chinese festivals also gain in importance.
Tibetan New Year
The Tibetan New Year is defined 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."
The next dates are:
February 9, 2005 (Wednesday)
Great Prayer Festival
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.
Butter Lamp Festival
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.
Gyantse Horse Race and Archery
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.
World Incense Day
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.
Six-Four Festival
The day that Buddha gave his first sermon is celebrated with visits to
holy mountains.
Shoton / Xuedun (Yoghurt) Festival
This festival, held on the 30th day of the sixth lunar month, has a
long tradition and is considered Tibet's greatest festival. Previous
to the 17th century, lamas were forbidden to leave their monastery
for three months of the year. At the beginning of July, when they were
free to go out again, they went to enjoy themselves. Since the 17th
century, the Xuedun festival is also called the Tibetan Opera
Festival. During seven days, opera performances and contests are held.
Since the 7th century, Norbu Lingka has been the
centre for this festival.
Bathing Week
When the sacred planet Venus appears 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.
Death of Tsongkapa
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 dumplings are served as supper.
Driving Off Evil Spirits
At the end of the Tibetan year, religious dances to drive off evil
spirits are help in monasteries all over Tibet. Every household burns
bundles of straw and throws rubbish on the streets. The
Year-End-Dumpling is served for supper.