Tiji festival is one of fascinating annual three-day festival consisting of Tibetan rituals that celebrate the myth of a son who had to save the Mustang kingdom from destruction. This festival is a life time experience if you are a photographer. People from all over Mustang join this festival with their traditional attires. The festival is indigenous to Lo-Manthang. Over the Mustang Tenchi Festival time monks dressed in elaborate costumes and masks perform dances and rituals that are supposed to drive away evil spirits. The Tiji festival dances are all organized by the Choedhe Monastery, which belongs to the Sakya sect of Buddhism. The monastery is headed by a Rimpoche. About 65 monks from Lo Manthang, Nhenyul and Chhosyer reside in this monastery.
The Rituals and The Festival: The Tenchi festival as a whole celebrates the victory of God over Demon and Good over Evil. During the three days, dance performances by the local monks of Chode monastery take place.
On the 1st day, the monks perform a dance called ‘Tsa Chaam’. This tells the story of the birth of ‘Dorji Sonam’- a reincarnated Buddha to a demon. This demon harassed the kingdom of Mustang and brought in havoc to the country. You can witness the monks enacting the harassment of the said demon on the people of Mustang.
On the 2nd day, the monks perform ‘Nga Cham’. During this performance, Dorjee Sonam tries to return the demon to the Buddha realm.
On the 3rd and final day of the festival, the ‘Rha Chham’ dance takes place. On this ceremony, Dorjee Sonam triumphs over the evil demon and banishes him from Mustang. The monk who plays the role of Dorjee Sonam does this by throwing an effigy. This effigy made from Tsampa (barley) represents the demon ‘Ma Tam Ru Ta’.
This defeat brings peace and prosperity to the land of Mustang. Every year Tiji festival takes place in the hope of spreading peace throughout the world.
Tiji Festival trek arrangement: write to us, there are various ways to reach Lomanthang, festival is scheduled to take place on May 08 to 10 this year, you can drive from Pokhara to Lomanthang, or fly to Pokhara and then drive or take helicopter directly to Lo-manthang, we need one full day to arrange your trek permit in Kathmandu. We need your passport to take it to immigration office to issue your special Mustang permit. See our full package trekking package to Mustang if you want trek as wel as see the festival.
Tiji Festival 2021 Date: May 08, 09 and 10
In 2021 Tiji festival is going to be celebrated on May 08, 09 and 10. Apart from strolling along the stunning and exceptional surroundings of Upper Mustang with the magnificent views of the snow-topped peaks, you can partake on this vibrant and lively festival which will be a lifetime experience.
Tiji Festival Trek Highlights
01. You will be a live participant in the whole proceeding of the festival.
02. You get to dance and sing the traditional music which has a great influence on Tibetan Buddhism.
03. You will traverse through many ridges, walk through boulders and cross different boulders to reach Upper Mustang.
04. You will get to explore the historical palaces, its courtyard, and the alleys of Upper Mustang during the festival.
05. You can walk in the dry, arid surrounding on the trans-Himalayan Tibetan border.