Tips for Visiting Tibet during Buddhist Festivals

The Buddhist festivals are a time when the entire community comes together to celebrate, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for visitors. You will have the opportunity to see ancient rituals performed by monks, participate in communal celebrations, and witness the display of stunning religious art, such as intricate butter sculptures and giant Thangka paintings. Additionally, the festivals provide a chance to connect with Tibetan people, share in their joy, and gain a deeper understanding of their way of life. Here are some tips for you to make the most of seasonal festivities with immersive cultural activities.

Maximize Your Engagement with Saga Dawa Celebrations

If you want to immerse yourself in the Saga Dawa Festival, Lhasa and Mount Kailash are the best places to experience the most vibrant and authentic atmosphere. In Lhasa, thousands of pilgrims will circumambulate around the sacred Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street, murmuring prayers and spinning Tibetan prayer wheels. You can join them to truly feel the religious fervor and cultural richness of the festival. Additionally, you can visit the Drepung Monastery to watch the Buddha exhibition, where a huge Buddha Thangka is slowly unfolded. This is a significant event that marks the official start of the Saga Dawa Festival in Lhasa.

Joining the kora by following the clockwise direction and spinning prayer wheels on the pilgrimage path. Tibetan people often share blessed food or water—accept it with gratitude. Saga Dawa is called “Poor People's Day” for its emphasis on generosity, so you can participate in charity by distribute tsampa, money, or food to beggars and monks. This act, believed to purify your soul, is deeply rooted in Tibetan compassion.   

Many Tibetan people refrain from meat during the Saga Dawa Festival. Opting for Tibetan vegetables or momos at local eateries can be better. Never walk counterclockwise around the stupas or temples. Avoid touching prayer flags, thangkas, or monks' belongings without permission.  

Deepen Your Experience at the Shoton Festival

Focusing on these key locations such as Drepung Monastery, Norbulingka Park, and Sera Monastery enables you to feel the most lively atmosphere. You can attend the Thangka Unveiling:  

Arrive before sunrise at Drepung Monastery to secure a prime viewing spot. To watch Tibetan opera and have a picnic, head to Norbulingka or Longwangtan Park, marvel at masked dances and epics. These performances, known as Lhamo, are a feast for the senses with colorful costumes, dramatic masks, and rhythmic singing. The stories are often based on Buddhist legends and historical tales, offering a glimpse into Tibetan culture and artistry.

Always ask for permission before photographing monks, pilgrims, or religious ceremonies. Avoid any behavior that might be seen as disrespectful or disruptive.

Immerse Yourself at the Butter Lamp Festival

When visiting Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street, you will see thousands of butter lamps lighting up every corner. The twinkling butter lamps on the roof of Jokhang Temple are a particularly breathtaking sight. You can light a butter lamp at Jokhang Temple or other monasteries, forging a deep connection to the spiritual core of the festival. You can also use the provided wicks and yak butter to craft your own butter lamp, placing it on altars or along pathways. This act symbolizes dispelling darkness and nurturing compassion. Try tsampa porridge, a traditional Tibetan dish made with roasted barley flour, tea leaves, and a pinch of salt. This simple yet delicious dish adds a flavorful touch to the celebration.

Avoid making loud noises, running, or flash photography during prayers. Sacred spaces demand silence and reverence. Bring a candle or incense to offer at a monastery. Even modest contributions are deeply appreciated.  

Conclusion

Discover Tibet's most enchanting festivals through our meticulously crafted itineraries, blending spiritual traditions with wonderful landscapes. Contact us to get the latest information!