FESTIVALS IN TIBET

The Tibetan year is based upon a lunar calendar of twelve months, with the New Year usually beginning sometimes in February. Each month consists of thirty days, with the full moon on the 15th day and the new moon on the 30th day. The majority of Tibetan monasteries will have tshok, "offering ceremonies," for the Medicine Buddha, Öpame, and Sakyamuni, respectively, on the 25th day there is an offering on the Khandroma. On the 10th day of every month the Nyingmapa sect celebrates special Guru Rhimpoche days, the important of these being in the sixth month to commemorate his birth.

Losar, the Tibetan New Year: First month, 1st to 3rd days
Monlam Chenmo, the great prayer festival: First month, 4th to 26th days 
Chotrul Duchen, the Butter Sculpture Festival: First Month 15th days
Jampa Dendren, Invitation to the Future Buddha: First Month, 25th day 
Cham (mask) dances at Tsurphu Monastery: Fourth month, 10th day  
Saga Dawa, Buddha's Enlightenment and Ascent to Heaven: Fourth month, 15th day
Ta-gyuk, the Gyanstse Horse Racing Festival: Fourth month, 15th to 18th days 
Tashilhumpo Thangka Festival: Fifth month, 14th to 16th days 
Dzamling Chising, the universal Incense offering: Fifth Month, 15th days 
Drukwa Tsezhi (also called Chokor Duchen): Sixth Month, 4th day
Drepung Monastery Thagka Festival: Sixth month 30th day 
Zhoton the Yogurt (for Opera) festival: Seventh month 1st to 7th days 
Chabshuk, the Bathing festival: End of seventh month to middle of 8th month 
Ongkor, the Harvest Festival: Seventh Month, 1st to 15th days 
Cham dances at Tashilhumpo: Eighth month, 9th to 11th days
Lhabab Duchen, the gods Descending festival: Ninth month, 22nd day 
Palhe Ritro, the Pelden Lhamo Feast: Tenth month, 15th day 
Ganden Ngamcho, festival of light: Tenth month, 25th day 
Banishing the evil spirits festival: Twelfth month, 30th day
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