Tibetans follow their own calendar, different from the solar calendar of the West. Tibetan festivals are observed according their lunar calendar which some Tibetans claim to be more scientific than the western calendar.
Losar:
The most popular week long New Year Festival that falls on February.
Saka Dawa Festival (May or June):
A festival that commemorates Buddha’s enlightenment & nirvana from the mortal body.
Gyantse horse race& archery (May or June):
A competition of horse-riding & archery skills.
Dalai Lama’s Birthday:
Prohibited by the China government, most Tibetan in exile observe the Dalai Lama’s birthday on June 6 as a festivals.
The Great Prayer Festival:
The grandest of Tibetan festivals. Tibetans hold debates & examinations on Buddhist scriptures on this day.
Shoton Festival (august):
The summer festival, an opportunity for purifying mind & spirits for the devout Buddhists.
Harvest Festival (September):
A prayer celebration for good harvest.
The Butter Lamp Festival:
Another important festival celebrated on October 25 to commemorate the death anniversary of Tsong Khapa, the founder of Gelugpa tradition in the Tibetan Buddhism |
