|
The Tibetan year is based upon a lunar
calendar of twelve months, with the New
Year usually beginning sometimes in
February. Each month consists of thirty
days, with the full moon on the 15th day
and the new moon on the 30th day. The
majority of Tibetan monasteries will
have tshok, "offering ceremonies," for
the Medicine Buddha, Öpame, and
Sakyamuni, respectively, on the 25th day
there is an offering on the Khandroma.
On the 10th day of every month the
Nyingmapa sect celebrates special Guru
Rhimpoche days, the important of these
being in the sixth month to commemorate
his birth.
Tibetan New Year:
The Tibetan New Year is reglemented 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".
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 Festival:
Held in August or beginning of
September, the "Opera Festival" is one
of the greatest festivals in Tibet.
During seven days, opera performances
and contests are held. Since the 7th
century, Norbulingka was the centre for
this festival.
Bathing Week:
When the sacred planet Venus apears 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 dumplins 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 houshold burns bundles of
straw and throws rubbish on the streets.
The Year-End-Dumpling is served for
supper. |
