The Mustang Tiji Festival is an intriguing yearly event that spans three days and involves Tibetan customs that commemorate the legend of a son who was tasked with rescuing the Mustang kingdom from annihilation. The festival holds indigenous significance and is traditionally celebrated in the region of Lo-Manthang, located in Upper Mustang. The term "Tiji" is derived from the phrase "Tempa Chirim," which translates to "Prayer for World Peace." The festival is a celebration of the triumph of Dorjee Sonnu, an incarnation of Lord Buddha, over Man Tam Ru, a malevolent creature that preyed on humans and was responsible for inclement weather and arid conditions.
The Tiji festival is typically observed during the month of May and spans a duration of three days. During the celebration, ritual dances are performed by the monks of the "Choedhe" monastery in Lo Manthang. The performances during the festival involve the enactment of various events, including the harassment of Ma Tam Ru Ta in the "Tsa Chham" dance on the first day, the birth of Dorjee Sonnu as the demon's son in the "Nga Chham" on the second day, and the endeavor to repatriate the demon to Lord Buddha's realm on the third and final day.
The Mustang Tiji Festival is an annual celebration of the Tiji Festival in Upper Mustang's Lo Manthang region. The Tiji Festival is a three-day event that takes place annually during the third month of the Tibetan calendar, which falls in May. The Tiji Festival is scheduled to be celebrated on May 5th, 6th, and 7th in the year 2025. The event takes place at the square located in front of the Tashi Gephel Palace, which is the Mustang King's residence. This palace is situated within the walled city of Lo Manthang. The Mustang Tiji Festival Trek offers the opportunity to witness, celebrate, and participate in the culturally significant Tiji Festival of the Mustang people.
The Mustang Tiji festival holds a significant reputation as one of the most revered and widely recognized festivals in Upper Mustang. The people of Mustang are currently experiencing a time of celebration and religious pilgrimage. The festival had its origins as a religious ceremony aimed at preventing any obstacles or suffering that could afflict the country. Over time, it has also become a symbol of hope and resilience for the people of Mustang.
Despite facing environmental challenges due to being located in the rain shadows of the Himalayas, Mustang was considered a valuable location because of its position along the main salt trade route. As a result, it was frequently invaded by neighboring states. The Tiji Festival is a passionate prayer ceremony performed by the King and Queen of Mustang, with the aim of promoting peace and stability in the region. We have a blog available for you to read about the history of the Tiji festival. The Mustang Tiji festival trek offers a wonderful opportunity to engage with the local people, experience their culture and witness their traditions in this historic region.
The morning ritual at Chode Gompa involves the gathering of monks and the recitation of Vajrakila prayers. In the afternoon, there is a lot of activity happening in the square. The square is filled with the resounding noise of traditional long copper horns, also known as dungchen, as well as the rhythmic beating of drums and cymbals. Amidst this lively atmosphere, a massive scroll painting, or thanka, portraying Padmasambhava is unveiled on the south wall.
The thangka is believed to be over 400 years old and features a hand-embroidered depiction of Padmasambhava along with two dakinis. In Lo-Manthang, following the offering of incense by ngagpas or tantric practitioners, six bowls of grain and torma are presented on a wooden altar. Afterwards, the monks in red pointed hats arrive and take a seat beneath the unfurled thangka. The Khempo, who is the abbot of the Chode Gompa, is seated on a slightly elevated dias in the center. At the far end, there are monks blowing the dungchen on either side of him.
The masked dances commence amidst the chanting of hymns and offering of prayers. The people gathered in the square of the Palace are eagerly watching this. The masked dancers commence their performance at the Mustang royal palace, with a select audience consisting solely of the King in his private quarters. The Tsowo, who is identifiable by their intricate headgear, initiates the ceremony by making offerings. They leave the palace together and make their way down the square, where an eager crowd of both locals and travelers awaits them.
The Tsacham is a gentle and slow masked dance that typically lasts for about two hours. It is characterized by graceful movements and turns. The Tsowo performs the central dance while being surrounded by the other dancers arranged in a Mandala formation. A grand total of approximately 52 distinct types of steps are executed. The masked dances symbolize the preparation and invocation of the gods, as well as the purification and preparation of the soil where the dances take place. The Tsowo leads his fellow dancers into each form by signaling each change with a verbal command. Such subtle changes and steps may appear seamless to the untrained eye.
On the second day, the morning commenced with the offering of prayers to Vajrakila and a gathering in the monastery. The afternoon begins with the unveiling of another sizable thangka, which is almost identical to the one displayed earlier. On the second day, the Masked dances are performed with greater energy and in a more forceful manner. During the dance sequence on this day, weapons and animal forms are displayed to symbolize the different methods utilized to ward off evil. The last step involves defeating the demon. The act of piercing the straw effigy with a religious dagger by Tsowo is a depiction of something. This symbol represents the defeat of the evil demon by the deity Dorje Shunu. The effigy made of straw is then tossed into the air.
The morning of the third and final day commences with the monks in the monastery offering prayers to Vajrakila. In the afternoon, Tsowo performs a ritualistic offering of nectar as a plea for assistance from all the gods. Monks wearing animal masks perform dances both before and after the effigy is cut. The dances conclude with a lively procession that is led by the masked dancers and includes the King, members of the royal family, representatives of the village development committees, and local residents.
The final celebrations at the Mustang King's Palace involve offering prayers. Amidst a whirl of white on the rooftop of the palace, Tsampa is offered to the gods, causing much rejoicing. At last, the King and Khempo, along with other monks, exchange greetings. The people of Mustang feel fortunate to have witnessed another Tiji Festival and express their gratitude. They hope for many more years of good fortune to come.
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