What is Tiji Festival?
Tiji Festival in Upper Mustang is a spring-renewal festival celebrated in the Lo Manthang region of Upper Mustang. The festival is a 3-day long purification ritual which is celebrated on the victory of good over evil.
Tiji comes from the words ‘Tempa Chirim’ which means ‘Prayer for World Peace’. Different dances are graciously performed during the 3-day celebration.
As there are more than 125 ethnic groups having multiple dialects in Nepal, it is rich in the cultural facet. When it comes to, festivals in the Himalayas, an introduction to Tiji festival in Upper Mustang is the must.
An annual event and a famous festival, Tiji is celebrated to chase away devils from the divine lands of Upper Mustang. It depicts the story of a deity named Dorje Jono who had to protect his kingdom from his own demon father who was feeding on the humans and creating a shortage of water in Upper Mustang. Festival of Tiji is celebrated to beseech the almighty Dorje Jono to eliminate any obstacle out of the way.
The festival is usually takes place at the Lo-Manthang, at the capital of Upper Mustang, also known as the former Tibetan Kingdom of Lo. Witnessing this famous colorful festival will savor you by the beautiful multiple dances, dramas, and acts performed by the local monks presenting themselves in the colorful, traditional and flamboyant robes and masks. The drama performed there will show the victory of good over evil and the god over the demon.
Witnessing the unrolling of ancient Thangka painting of Guru Rinpoche will make one’s life prosperous and happy. The drums play and chants of prayers by the local Chode Monks and the general public with the different cultural and traditional attire makes the ambiance truly delightful. Women, children and all the local present themselves at their best with colorful costumes and jewelry.
The celebration of the festival takes place in front of the palace of the king of the Mustang. The king is still revered by the people to this day. Tiji festival in Upper Mustang involves horse riding and giant-tug-of-war are the most significant festival sports that capture your mind.
