Major Festivals of Tibet

Tibetan cultural heritage took such a hammering during the Cultural Revolution that traditional festivals, once important highlights of the Tibetan year, are only now starting revive. Tibetan festivals are held according to the Tibetan lunar calendar, which usually lags at least a month behind our Gregorian calendar. We have included forth coming dates for some of the festivals listed, but you will need to ask around for the exact dates of many festivals because these are often only fixed by monasteries a few months in advance.

Festivals	Month
Tibetan New Year	Mar - Feb
Monlam Festival	Mar - Feb
Butter Oil Lantern Festival	Mar - Feb
Saga Dawa Festival	May - Jun
Horse Racing Festival, Gyantse	Jun
Chubacexi Festival	Jul
Yalong Cultural Festival	Jul
Shoton Festival	Aug - Sep

Shoton Festival

It is the opera festival and the greatest festivals in Tibet. In ancient times pious folks went into mountain hermitages of which yoghurt was served for meal followed by entertainment of folk songs and dances. Since 7th century, opera performances were held for days in norbu lingka. Presently, opera contests and distribution of prizes are held for seven days.

Other Festivals Of Tibet

Ganden Festival
Harvest Festival
Kungbu Traditional Festival
Bathing Week