Tiji Festival in Upper Mustang is a rich cultural celebration in the remote region of Lo Manthang in the Himalayas. Have you heard about it before? Or are you wondering what is and why it is so special?
This year’s Upper Mustang Tiji Festival is approaching soon. Upper Mustang is observing the three-day festival at the end of this month from 27-29 May. The festival is a rare chance to explore, enjoy and immerse in the ancient cultural tradition of Lo Manthang.
What is Tiji Festival in Upper Mustang?
Tiji is a wonderful cultural and spiritual celebration in the remote Himalayas of the Upper Mustang in Nepal. This annual festival observes timeless traditional myths and rituals for three days in Lo Manthang. This unique mountain cultural festival marks the victory of god over a demon. The demon is believed to have been living on human beings and tried to cause storms and drought to destroy the life in the region. Lord Buddha incarnated as a ferocious creature to demolish the demon and free the people from its captivity.
The name of the festival is originally Tenji, which is now commonly famous as Tiji. Tenji is a Tibetan word that comes from “Tempa Chhirim” which means “prayer for world peace”. The sole purpose of celebrating this festival is to pray for peace to prevail in the life of the people of the region.
Religious Myth
The festival is based on the Tibetan Buddhist myth. According to the belief, the legendary incarnation of Buddha, Dorjee Sonnu, fought the demon Man Tam Ru, to save the whole region from destruction. This three-day-long festival has a performance that enacts the story of the troubles caused by the demon. The performance shows the birth of Dorje Sonnu and his battle with and victory over the demon. It is a special time of the year when the monks from Choedhe monastery of Lo Manthang organize and perform the show.
Going on a tour during the Tiji festival in Upper Mustang is a great cultural escape. You will have a rare opportunity to explore and immerse into the unique cultural tradition of Upper Mustang.
Tiji Festival in 2022
Tiji festival falls typically in the month of May and this year the special occasion is from 27-29 May. You can go to Upper Mustang Trek and add three additional days for the festival celebration in Lo Manthang. Or you can also take an Upper Mustang Jeep Tour with additional three days in Lo Manthang to enjoy the festival.
In addition to the beautiful trekking adventure, this trip brings an exceptional and rare cultural experience. You can also enjoy breathtaking mountain views, beautiful landscapes, a blue skyline, wall caves, and beautiful settlements along the route.
Let us know if you want to experience the Tiji moment.
