The Tiji Holiday in Mustang is the most auspicious festival observed by Tibetan Buddhists in Upper Mustang. The Tiji festival is a well-known celebration held once a year for three days during the harvest season.
Locals from kilometres around go to Lo Manthang to enjoy this traditional and colourful three-day festival. The event is held in front of the King's palace in Lo Manthang. Mustang has been celebrating this event for almost 500 years.
Upper Mustang's Tiji Festival, held at Lo-Manthang
The Tiji festival is known as "The Chasing of the Demons," based on the Tiji Myths. The mythology behind the Tiji celebration is fascinating. Tiji tells the narrative of Dorje Jono, a god who fought his evil father to preserve the kingdom of Mustang from ruin.
This holiday is primarily observed to commemorate the triumph of good over evil. Dorje Jono's father was a demon who terrorized the people by causing water scarcity in Mustang, exceedingly dry. As a result, he struggled against his monster father and drove him away from Mustang.
Tiji festival is held in Mustang to honour this historical myth. This event is held to promote peace and prosperity. Furthermore, it is a time to thank God for water and harvests.
Tiji festival in Mustang is held for three days in a row, with each day having its unique importance. Lama marks the start of the tiji festival on the first day by blowing the dunce together with the drum and cymbals.
Then, following an old and massive Thanka, three storeys are rolled down the whole south side of the plaza. The 11 lamas in high red caps arrive in the evening. The Tiji tale is performed by individuals dressed in masks and traditional clothes, and Dorje Jono fights and kills the demon as the dance concludes. Monks execute the ‘Rhachham' dance on the last day, which enchants Dorje's triumph against demons.
With prayer chants and colourful dances, this celebration commemorates his victory. People worship and sing mantras throughout this event. Monks dress traditionally and perform a traditional dance. The rainbow flags and the yellow, red, and blue gowns make the entire setting vibrant and appealing.
Trekking in Mustang During Festivals
Upper Mustang is one of Nepal's most popular trekking locations. Upper Mustang Trek transports you to the Mustang Kingdom. Trekking to Upper Mustang provides stunning mountain vistas as well as the opportunity to experience Mustang's distinctive dry environments. Furthermore, the Upper Mustang's primary draw is its distinct Tibetan Buddhist culture.
Trekking to Mustang during the festival season is an incredible and lovely experience. Trekking to The Mustang during the Tiji Festival is, of course, a once-in-a-lifetime event in Nepal. After all, Tiji is the most anticipated yearly holiday in Upper Mustang; thus, the people celebrate it with zeal. If you visit Upper Mustang during the festival season, you will have a great time.
Mustang Tiji Festival displays its own particular culture and tradition, which is very valuable and one-of-a-kind. The Tiji celebration enhances the upper Mustang trip. The local Buddhist Choedhe monastery organizes the festival, and around 65 monks from the monastery perform a sacred dance. Seeing traditional and religious dances throughout the event is enjoyable. So, don't delay booking the Upper Mustang Trek package to see the Tiji Festival in Mustang.
Why is the Tiji Festival celebrated in Upper Mustang?
Mustang tiji festival is well-known not just among locals but also among visitors from all over the world. Upper Mustang hiking not only provides you with the joy of natural beauty, but it also provides you with the fantastic opportunity to study monasteries, arts, culture, and traditions of Tibetan Buddhist civilization, among other things. Upper Mustang's unusual cultural beauty is something everyone should see at least once throughout their lives.
Upper Mustang Tiji Celebration offers you a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in an age-old Tibetan traditional festival. This event brings together villagers and the Royal family of Mustang, who pray for the peace and prosperity of the province. This vibrant event provides a look into the historic and distinct culture of the Lo community's residents.
Tiji festival Upper Mustang trip provides trekkers with the finest opportunity to explore native Tibetan culture. To experience this colourful festival in Lo Manthang, book the Upper Mustang Trekking package and spend three days in Lo-Manthang to enjoy a magnificent Buddhist celebration as well as their traditional and religious dance.
When does the Tiji Festival take place in Mustang?
Tiji Celebration is a three-day spring rebirth festival held in the arid area of Upper Mustang (Lo Manthang). This event is held every year in May and June.
The Tibetan Lunar calendar determines the date of the Tiji festival. The date for the 2020 Tiji Festival has been set. The Tiji festival will be held from the 19th to the 21st of May in 2020.