
Dos and Don'ts When Attending Tibetan Festivals
There are many grand festivals in Tibet, such as Shoton Festival, Tibetan New Year, Saga Dawa Festival and Horse Racing Festival, during which you can appreciate the high spirits of Tibetans. If you plan to go on a Tibetan festival tour, it' best that you know dos and don'ts when attending Tibetan festivals.
Choose Suitable Attire
Dresses yourself properly and neatly. Avoid wearing revealing outfits like shorts and sleeveless tops, as well as flashy clothes. Especially in religious occasions, it's never too careful about your attire. If possible, you can buy or rent Tibetan traditional clothes to dress yourself like a Tibetan! It will bring more fresh feeling to your Tibet trip and show your respect for Tibetan culture, making it easier to get involved with Tibetans.
Respect Tibetan Religious Beliefs and Customs
Abide by Tibetan religious etiquette and taboos. Participating in Tibetans' activities such as making offerings, donating, and spinning Tibetan prayer wheels is a way to express your recognition of Tibetan culture, on condition that you don't bother others. When entering monasteries and other religious places, don't step on the thresholds and you should follow the instructions and regulations, take off your hat and sunglasses, and do not touch religious items such as Buddha statues, murals, and prayer flags at will. Smoking is also not allowed. Around religious facilities such as prayer wheels and circumanbulation paths, you should walk in a clockwise direction. For example, in Lhasa's Barkhor Street, you can spin Tibetan prayer wheels and stroll with Tibetans, immersing yourself in the religious atmosphere. Do not take photos of Tibetans without their consent, especially in monasteries or during religious activities. Avoid flashing photography in monasteries and during religious activities. Keep it in mind that you should be quiet during rituals.
Experience Tibetan Cultures
Actively participate in the various activities of the festival such as Tibetan opera performances, traditional songs and dances, etc. You can taste Tibetan specialties like sweet tea, Tibetan yogurt, tsampa and so on. You can buy souvenirs with Tibetan characteristics, such as Thangka, Tibetan incense, Buddhist beads, etc. If you're lucky, you can see the process of making handicrafts. Buying souvenirs can not only serve as a memento of your trip, but also support Tibetan craftsmen.
Greet as a Tibetan
When a Tibetan wants to express respect and congratulations, he or she usually offers a Hada. As a tourist, on this occasion, you should accept it with both hands to show your respect and gratitude. In daily greetings, they are accustomed to using "Tashi Delek", which is a blessing for good luck and fortune. You can also use this word to respond to a Tibetan's greeting. When interacting with Tibetans, don't touch their heads and shoulders, which is impolite.
Tibetan Food Taboos
Tibetans forbid eating donkey meat, horse meat, and dog meat. If you are a guest in a Tibetan family, do not finish your food or drink in one bite when the host treat you to delicious delicacy.
Conclusion
Actually, your guide will also inform you of dos and dont's in Tibet trip. Don't be too nervous and always ask your guide for help.
34 Comment ON "Dos and Don'ts When Attending Tibetan Festivals"
Asked by Ke** from Singapore
Cycling Tour to Mt Kailash
Hi , we are planning a Cycling Trip once Tibet opens for Tourism. The plan is we shall arrive to Kathmandu , travel to the border and enter via Kerung. Can you pls send a day to day Itinerary starting from Kerung - Lake Manasarovar - Darchen - Asthapath. We shall go around Kailash on foot and resume Cycling back to Kerung. We are a Group of 6-8 persons. Thanks Pls send ur reply to Kevin
Asked by Debo** from USA
Please can you tell me the prices and dates for the Tibet Luxury Tour.
Also, could you please provide a detailed itinerary - I want to see how many hours are spent on buses/vehicles. Thank you! Deborah
Asked by S** from HongKong
Tibet Tour from HK
May I know if holding Mainland Travel Permit for HK Residents. is it also need to get the visa permit to Tibet and what is the procedure if need to apply? Thank you
Asked by Na** from USA
Is Kailash Mansarovar Trip open for Indian Passport Holder?
Is it open for Indian Passport Holder?
Asked by A** from Singapore
Enquiry on private tour
We are planning a trip from Hong Kong to Tibet during the 12th to 21st of April. We want a private tour that covers all the scenic places as well as the EBC. Please advise an itinerary along with the cost breakdown. Thanks.
Asked by Na** from Canada
We would like to take the train from Xining to Lhasa
Asked by Gr** from Canada
The "Tibet Entry Permit" should be apply
Asked by Tam** from Singapore
Sightseeing Potala Palace
Asked by Ka** from Singapore
plan to travel to Mount Kailash
Asked by Nyen** from India
Lhasa potala place visit and monastery visit
Lhasa potala place visit and monastery visit, we are three people and 2 adults and 1 infant 2 Indian Passport and 1 Nepal passport. we have applied for a China visa also.