The Tiji Festival holds great significance as the most auspicious festival celebrated in the Upper Mustang region of Nepal. According to ancient mythology, the Tiji Festival was celebrated as a symbol of the triumph of good over evil. According to belief, the Mustang region was facing a crisis as a demon was causing destruction by spreading diseases and depriving the area of water. Dorje Jono emerged victorious in his battle against the demon, and the festival commemorates his triumph through prayer chants and vibrant dances.
Dorje Jono, also referred to as Dorje Phurba, Vajrakila, or Vajrakumar, is a deity worshipped in Vajrayana Buddhism, an ancient Buddhist tradition originating in India and Nepal. During the 8th century CE, the practice of Buddhism was introduced to Tibet by Padmasambhava, Vimalamitra, and Shilamnju, who were Buddhist masters. This practice then evolved into various lineages.
At Samye Monastery in Tibet, Padamasambhava provided instructions on the essential stages of the Vajrakila sacred dance. The Chhode Monastery located in Lo Manthang, Upper Mustang is renowned for its practice and ritual of Vajrakila.
The Tiji Festival in Upper Mustang was initiated in the 17th century by Mustangi King Samdup Rabten, who invited Sakya Trizin Ngawang Kunga Sinam to visit Lo Manthang. He performed the special Vajrakila ritual at Chhode Monastery in Lo Manthang to promote the wellbeing of all sentient beings and eliminate any negative elements in Mustang. The religious dance has been performed annually by the monks of Chhode Monastery in the courtyard of Mustang Royal Palace in Lo-Manthang for three days. Traditionally, the performance of this event took place at the conclusion of the twelfth month in the Tibetan calendar. However, in modern times, it is typically held during the third month of the Tibetan calendar, which falls in May.
The lead dancer, Tsowo, undergoes a three-month retreat prior to the main event. The sacred dance is participated in by both the members of the Mustang royal family and the villagers of the seven provinces of Upper Mustang (Lo Chhodun). The dance is accompanied by numerous rituals. The pronunciation of this term in the Mustangi (Lobo) dialect is Tiji (or Tenchi). It is utilized as a component of the meditation practice that is based on the Tantra text associated with Vajra Kumar (Vajra Kila).
The build-up to meditation involves two types of activities. Firstly, peaceful dance steps are performed, followed by the Mele or second stage of the dance which represents the subjugation of negative elements. The dance ritual comprises of three primary stages. The preliminary part of the dance consists of 15 steps. The main part of the text portrays the 'generation of the celestial palace' and 'generation of deities' in two distinct steps. The conclusion outlines steps to overcome eternal and nihilistic views and promote auspiciousness. Various poses and gestures hold symbolic significance for different meditation practices, while each dance step carries profound meanings. Having faith and respect for certain steps is believed to help clear the obstacles in life.
Upper Mustang is a secluded region located near the border of Tibet. Mustang, which was once an independent kingdom, shares a close relationship with Tibet in terms of language and culture. During the 15th to 17th centuries, Mustang held a strategic location that enabled it to have control over the trade between India and the Himalayas. In the late 1700s, Nepal annexed the kingdom, making it a dependent territory of the Kingdom of Nepal. In 2008, the Government of Nepal ordered the cessation of the monarchy. In 2016, the final monarch, Jigme Dorje Palbar Bista, passed away. In 1380, the Buddhist kingdom was founded by the warrior Ame Pal, who also constructed a significant portion of Lo Manthang. Tiji Festival is celebrated in the Upper Mustang with full flex arrangement.
Upper Mustang is situated on the border between Tibet, China and Nepal. The local inhabitants of the region are of Tibetan origin. The culture, tradition, and lifestyle of the Mustangi people are closely linked to that of the Tibetan people. The Mustang Tiji Festival is a cultural and traditional celebration that honors the customs of the ancestors. The celebration at the late forbidden Himalayan kingdom of Lo Manthang has its own unique beliefs, style, and values.
"Tiji" is a shortened version of "Tempa Chirim," which translates to "prayers for world peace" in the local language. The Tiji Festival is a yearly celebration that takes place over three days in the walled city of Lo Manthang, located in Upper Mustang, Nepal. It is open to the public. Thousands of people from the entire Mustang region will be traveling to Lo Manthang to take part in this auspicious celebration. Not only the locals, but also foreign travelers will join in this carnival to witness the beauty of Tiji.
The Upper Mustang region is a Buddhist kingdom, boasting centuries-old Buddhist monasteries and stupas in every village. The celebration of the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival is closely linked to Buddhism. Ghar Gumba is considered to be the oldest monastery in Upper Mustang. According to belief, it was constructed by Guru Rimpoche, also known as Padmashamvaba. During the 8th century, he traveled to Tibet through the Upper Mustang region.
Nepal is a multicultural and multiethnic country. People of various castes and groups live together peacefully with each other. They follow different cultures and celebrate different festivals. Festivals are celebrated over a particular reason. According to Ancient Mythology, there was a deity named Dorjo Jono. He was a good man. However, his father was evil who brought fear to the common people by bringing scarcity of water in the isolated region. Then, Dorjo Jono battled against his evil father to stop him from bringing the scarcity of water. Dorjo Jono then killed his evil father and disappeared him away from Mustang. Honoring the legend of Jono, Tiji Festival is celebrated with light colors and dance. The peace, prosperity, and happiness brought by Dorjo Jono is the reason for the celebration of the Tiji Festival.
A lot of people might have the question of “ How is the Tiji Festival celebrated?”. Well, the answer is a little bit obvious. People have a good time. Breaking it down, People pray by chanting mantras during the Tiji Festival. Monks wear traditional attire and chant mantras. They also perform a traditional dance. People wear yellow, red, and blue colored dresses. They decorate the entire place with multicolored flags. The multicolored flags and colorful dresses make the entire surrounding rainbowish. You get to see the true colors of mutual understanding and prosperity in life by experiencing the Tiji Festival in the Upper Mustang.
According to legend, during the Tiji Festival, a malevolent demon was believed to have spread a deadly disease throughout the region and caused a severe water shortage. Subsequently, a virtuous individual confronts the menacing demon and triumphs over the malevolent wickedness. Since then, this festival has been celebrated in Mustang.
The festival, which typically takes place in May, will be celebrated for three days in Lomanthang Upper Mustang. During those three days, the monks will perform vibrant mask dances and chant Buddhist mantras. The celebration place will be bustling with a diverse crowd, including locals, VIPs, foreign tourists, and even the king of Mustang. The monks will prepare the dance and practice it extensively.
Frist day of Tiji Festival
On the first day, the monks from Chhode Monastery and the locals make preparations for the festival at the square near the Royal Palace. The festival will commence with the resonant blast of the Tibetan horn, performed by a monk, followed by the harmonious melodies of the other instruments played by the Lamas. People will gather at the square where a large Thanka will be displayed on the wall. The Lamas will perform their chant and various dance forms there. This dance form is called Tsa Chham and it depicts the story of the fighter Dorje Jono's battle with a demon. It is believed that these dances originated in the 15th century.
Second day of Tiji Festival
On the second day of the performance, there will also be dancing and singing. The dance form featured on the second day is called Nga Chham. This dance depicts the warrior Dorje Jono's attempt to introduce malevolent forces into the Buddhist realm. These are various forms of dance that highlight the significance of Buddhist deities in spreading peace and love throughout the world. The second day of the festival is significant as it features a performance by the monks dressed in vibrant costumes.
Third day of Tiji Festival
During the Tiji Festival's third day, the monks will perform a dance known as Rha Chham. This dance form will convey a sense of triumph over adversity. The festival's finale will feature a performance that will transition from the square to an open area outside the village. As you transition from a confined space to an open area, you may encounter the sounds of gunfire, explosions, and people engaging in activities with various types of equipment in the presence of a large crowd.
The Tiji Festival is being celebrated in Mustang as it is a cultural tradition that has been passed down through generations of the local people in this region of Nepal. Mustang is a region situated in the Himalayas that is known for its arid climate. It has a rich history as it was once a sovereign kingdom. It had close cultural, traditional, and trading connections with Tibet. The Tiji festival has been celebrated in this region for centuries and holds significant importance in the local culture and tradition.
The festival commemorates the triumph of good over evil and is rooted in a mythological tale about a demon named Ma Tam Ru Ta. This demon wreaked havoc in the area, leading to drought and famine. The festival commemorates the triumph of a saint named Dorje Jono, who is said to have battled and vanquished a demon.
The Tiji Festival is exclusive to the Mustang region and is not celebrated in any other parts of Nepal. The festival holds significant cultural value for the people of Mustang, drawing inquisitive visitors from around the globe who seek to explore the region's diverse cultural legacy. The festival offers a chance for the community of Mustang to unite and commemorate their common cultural heritage and past.
The Tiji Festival is an annual three-day event that is celebrated in the Lo Manthang region of Upper Mustang, Nepal. Typically, the Festival occurs during the latter part of May or the beginning of June, contingent upon the Tibetan lunar calendar. The Festival dates may vary annually due to the lunar cycle. However, the Tiji Festival Dates for 2025 are from 5 May 2025 to 7 May 2025. The 2025 Tiji Festival dates are the 24th, 25th, and 26th of May.
Tiji Festival Trek is the trek in the Upper Mustang during the time of the Tiji Festival. It is a trek customized in such a way that you get to explore the natural aspects of the Upper Mustang including the cultural essence of the place i.e celebrate the Tiji Festival. You receive an exciting opportunity to make your presence worth it. Hurry and Plan your next Tiji Festival Trek to Upper Mustang during May. Celebrate the myth of a son saving a region from the bad deeds of his evil father. You all deserve to enjoy life and the Tiji Festival trek is the best option to fulfill this wish.
Tiji Festival and Yartung Festival both are celebrated in the Mustang district. Having a 3 days celebration time, Most people confuse the Tiji Festival with the Yartung Festival. Tiji Festival as mentioned earlier is a three-day celebration during the time before the harvest season starts. Celebrate with dance, chanting mantras, and wearing traditional attire Tiji Festival is a great festival. However, Yartung Festival is another important festival celebrated in all parts of Mustang Region especially in Muktinath and Lo Manthang. It is also a three-day celebration. But, what is different about Yartung Festival is that it is celebrated with horse racing, drinking, and dancing being the common festive thing. Yartung means the end of summer, and Mela means festival. Yartung Mela all and all is celebrating the good life they lived in the summer and welcoming the future with great enthusiasm. No matter if there are certain differences between the Tiji and Yartung Festival. People celebrate both of them with great enthusiasm and cooperation. So, the festivals need to be protected. They are the true sorcerer of commonness and togetherness.
Apart from exploring the Himalayas and the exciting trails in Mustang, be there to celebrate the Tiji Festival with local people. With the vibrant scene of the Himalayas in the background intensifying the Tiji Festival celebration you are in for an experience of a lifetime.
If you want to find out more about Tiji Festival Upper Mustang or need our assistance for planning your Tiji festival trekking, simply send us an email and we will get back to you right away.
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