Embarking on Festivals Celebrated in Upper Mustang: Explore Upper Mustang through the Lens of Buddhism

Upper Mustang, the forbidden Kingdom of Nepal is one of the most admired destinations where travelers from world around come to visit every year. With the majestic beauty, breathe taking landscape and remarkable Tibetan Buddhist culture and tradition, ancient and historic landmarks along with the Buddhist Monastery, Upper Mustang has been listed as best destination to visit as per the CNN Research Report, 2023. Upper Mustang is a must visit destination for the travelers who want to explore Buddhism in Nepal, Tibetan culture and traditions, mini-Tibet of Nepal, desert of Nepal, amazing landscapes, sky caves enriched festivals and many more.

Mustang is believed to be the land where the soul of a man is considered “as real as the feet he walks on”; that’s why the land of Mustang is said to be ‘barren as a dead deer’. Even with the establishment of Democracy in Nepal, Mustang is the only place where King is still ruling their people. Upon reaching Lo Manthang we can still see the palace of first Mustangi Raja (King) Ame Pal and new palace inside wall city of Lo Manthang. The interesting history of Upper Mustang started from the ruling of Tibetan warrior (Ame Pal) after coming from Tibet and started ruling in Upper Mustang can be pictorially seen while we explore around the Upper Mustang. Upper Mustang is one of the destinations in Nepal where we can still observe beautiful culture and tradition, even with the modernization locals of Lo Manthang are still deeply rooted to their culture, religion and tradition.

Upper Mustang being enriched with the Tibetan Buddhist culture, travellers from world wide visit this region during the festival of very famous Tiji Festival and Yartung Festival. These two are the major world-wide popular festival performed in Upper Mustang of Nepal. The followers and admirers of Buddhism from world-wide trek / tour to Upper Mustang during the time of Festival.

Tiji festival is celebrated every year in the month of May (full moon day) for 3 days in Lo Manthang, Mustang. Tiji festival is termed as Tenchi which is derived from Tempa Chhirim; meaning ‘prayer for world peace’. This festival is performed to celebrate the victory of Buddha’s incarnation. In order to demolish the demons by the end of 14th century, the ritual was started by Nagwang Kunga Sonam, a Buddhist scholar introduced by King Samdup Rabten. The festival is performed in Lo Manthang monastery named Chhoyde Gompa where monks depict the harassment caused by demon and victory of monk named Dorje Jono under the guidance of Guru Rinpoche. As per the tradition, villagers from all across "Lho Tshu Dhyun" (the old kingdom of Lo) travel to see the dance and take part in the celebrations that go along with it. Villagers from Lo also provide firewood and other materials needed to carry out the festival.

The festival is performed for 3 days where on the first day monks perform dance named ‘Tsa Chham’ and show how demon named Ma Tam Ru Ta caused problems with the people living and livestock. On the second day they perfrom ‘Nga Chham’ in order to prepare for the position of Dhorje Sonam, one monk must spend three monks in solitude. On the third day, ceremony named ‘Rha Chham’ is performed to show the victory of monk over evil. On this day, it is believed that whole village is purified from the evil spirits.

Yatrung is one of the special and unique festival celebrated in Upper Mustang every year in the month of August/ September (full moon day) for 3 days. Yartung refers to end of summer and Yartung Mela refers to festival for ending summer season. The first day is dedicated to the King's activities, the second to the monks, and the third to locals participating in the festivities. The major event of this festival is horse racing, although the locals also enjoy singing, dancing, and drinking by local Thakali and Gurung people. This festival is celebrated with the enthusiasm and respect by the locals of Mustang in the presence of monks and King.

Amongst different festivals celebrated in Nepal, Tiji and Yartung Festival are major Upper Mustang’s festival which is celebrated in Tibetan Buddhist style only in Lo Manthang. The festival is celebrated in unique way for peace and prosperity. We can explore one aspect of Buddhism in the Himalayas of Nepal by participating in these festivals.