Winter Festivals
( 2005-10-27 )

 Tsong Khapa's Festival

Dates: It falls on October 15th of Tibetan calendar.
Place: Tibet
Activities:

The Tsong Khapa's Festival marks the anniversary of the death of Tsong Khapa, the founder of the Gelukpa sect. On this night, countless butter lamps are lit on therooftops of houses and temples, and prayers are chanted, to memorize the passing away of Tsong Khapa.

 Tibetan Meadow Festival

Dates: It is celebrated on early January of Tibetan calendar, and lasts about one week.
Place: Tibet
Activities:

Prior to the festival, every family tidies up the house. According to the customs of the Tibetans, people pour out sewage and rubbish toward the west when the sun is setting down the west. It means to have all stuff harmful to the human health disappear.

During the first three days of the festival, it is a custom for the villagers not to go out of the village. All of them watch the sorcerer's dance in a trance, which is a kind of the traditional religious dance.

In the next three days, people bring elders and young to drop into the village, and greet each other for a merry festival.

 Molang Qinbo Festival

Dates: It is held on January 15 of Tibetan calendar.
Place: Tibet
Activities:

During the ceremony, lamas from the three large temples and other monasteries assemble in the city, reciting scripture in groups. In addition, the examination will be given to acquire the "Gexi" scholarship degree.

** Kongpo Traditional Festival

Dates: The Kongpo people declare an early New Year on October 1 of Tibetan calendar.
Place: Kongpo area
Activities:

The festival continues to this day and memorializes the brave soldiers who were prepared to defend their homeland and miss the New Year celebration. The festival begins with the presentation of three sacrifices and then continues nonstop with such entertainment as Kongpo dancing,horse racing,archery, and shooting.