There are countless festivals held all over Tibet and this section highlights only the major ones in and around Lhasa.
1. Tibetan New Year 藏历新年
Tibetan New Year (or Losar) is the most important festival in Tibet. The Tibetan New Year will last 15 days, but it is mainly celebrated on first 3 days in late January or February of the Tibetan calendar. There will be various activities held like chanting, the passing of torches.
2. Prayer Meeting Festival 传昭大法会
The Prayer Meeting Festival (Monlam) falls on 4th -11th day of the 1st Tibetan month. The event was established in 1049 by Tsong Khapa, founder of the Gelukpa Sect. During the festival thousands of monks will gather to perform rituals, chanting, prayers and examination for Geshe (the highest degree in Buddhist theology). It’s the best time to meet local people and take a picture of people in colorful dress.
3. The Butter Lamp Festival 酥油花灯节
The Butter Lamp Festival (Chunga Choepa) falls on 15th day of the 1st Tibetan month. The event was established by Tsong Khapa to celebrate the victory of the Buddha over cynics in a debate. As darkness falls, various giant butter and Tsampa sculptures are displayed on Barkhor. People keep singing and dancing throughout the festive night.
4. The Saga Dawa Festival 萨噶达瓦节
The Saga Dawa Festival on the 15th day of the 4th Tibetan month. The day is said to be the day when Sakyamuni was born, step into Buddha hood and attained nirvana. This day people don’t eat meat and no animals are slaughtered through the month in entire Tibet. Huge numbers of pilgrims walk to Lhasa and circuit to Mt.Kailash or other sacred areas through Tibet.
5. Shoton Festival 西藏雪顿节
For Tibetans, the Shoton Festival is second only to their new year. Shoton Festival starts on the 30th of the 6th Tibetan month. During the festival, giant Thangkas of the Buddha is unveiled in Drepung Monastery and Tibetan opera troupes perform operas at Norbulingka.
