Bathing Festival
( 2005-10-27 )

This festival begins on the sixth day of the seventh Tibetan month and lasts for a week.

Generally, it lasts from July 6 - 12 on the Tibetan calendar, when the planet Venus, which Tibetans believe as sacred, appears in the sky. At that time, Tibetans believe river water is at its purest and can cure diseases. A "holy bath" is considered able to heal disease, help people stay fit, and rid them of misfortune.

Venus appears for just seven nights each year, and the festival lasts only for that period.

Tibetans, old and young, man and woman, rural and urban, consider it an opportune time to take advantage of nature's gift. They bring food and set up tents along and dip into the river in the starlight in a seductive and tranquil ritual.

They describe the immersion as an organic integration of body and soul with nature, and believe they will enjoy good health and long life from the experience.

After their baths, they gather around the bonfires under willow trees, to wine and dine to their heart's content. Some play six-stringedmusical instruments, and they sing folk songs and dance.