Saga Dawa Festival on the 15th day of the 4th month of the Tibetan Calendar

It is known that there are so many festivals in the Tibetan Calendar that are closely related to Tibetan Buddhism. Among them, Saga Dawa Festival is one of the most important festivals in Tibet, which will be celebrated solemnly to mark the birth, enlightenment, and death of Sakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism.

Saga Dawa Festival falls on the 15th day of the fourth month of the Tibetan Calendar. Since Tibetan Calendar is different from the solar calendar, tourists will find that the festival will be celebrated on a different day every year. However, it is a grand festival that will last around one month, celebrating by local Tibetan people with different activities.

All pilgrims will choose to circumambulate by following the three routes in Lhasa city. The inner ring is about 500 meters to circumambulate the main hall of Juekang in the Jokhang Temple. The middle ring is about 1000 meters to walk along Barkhor Street to circumambulate the Jokhang Temple. The most popular and the most spectacular route is the outer ring that lasts about 5,000 meters to circumambulate the old Lhasa city.

Walk along Barkhor Street Street to circumambulate the Jokhang Temple

Giving alms is one of the most important activities at Saga Dawa Festival. Those poor people, including elder men and women, sick people, people with children will come together sitting along the west side of the Potala Palace waiting for others to give alms. It is believed that the merits will be multifold on this day, which is the reason that many people are willing to be more sincere to give alms. All of them look peaceful and sincere when receiving and giving alms. And those goats, dogs, and cats on the street can also get enough food.

To celebrate this festival, Tibetan people will release lives on this holy day to show their kindness. The Lhasa River will witness lots of people releasing lots of lives to accumulate merits. Besides, Tibetan people will not kill lives and eat vegetables during the festival.

If you are interested in Saga Dawa Festival and want to experience the activities related to this festival with local people, you can feel free to contact us before the date and we will arrange everything for you.