Saga Dawa
The Dharma Festival
The Dharma Festival is a well-known festival in Gyangze, with
a history of more than 500 years. Now one of the most popular
folk festivals in Tibet, it has a long story. It is said that
after the death of Palba Sangpo, Prince of Dharma of Gyangze of
the Sagya Kingdom, his disciples, lamas and the public would hold
sacrificial rites each year to his memory, which was later stopped
due to social turmoil. In 1408, Raodain Gongsang, son of Palba
Sangpo, took the position of Prince of Dharma of Gyangze, who
restarted the sacrificial activities that were held from April
10 to 27 on the Tibetan calendar, in addition to entertainment,
such as exhibitions of Tangka painting scrolls, religious chammo
dance, horse-racing and Dagor Myigor (sword-playing of ancient
knights). By 1447, when Zhazi Rabdain became Prince of Dharma
of Gyangze, more entertaining activities had been added, such
as shooting on horseback, Tibetan Opera, song and dance. Thus,
the Dharma Festival was born. Another story says that the festival
originated in the celebration of the completion of the Palkor
Monastery. Today, the Dharma Festival starts with Buddha painting
unfolding festival on April 15 on the Tibetan calendar as a prelude
every year, and officially opens on April 18. The 19 townships
in the Gyangze County gather to celebrate the festival, which
also attracts people from everywhere. Today, the Dharma Festival
is not only a folk festival but an exchange with a theme of promoting
economy through cultural activities. During the festival, besides
traditional sport items such as shooting on horseback, there are
other contemporary pastimes such as ball games and track events.
Around the sports ground are tent shops where trade takes place,
and tents of farmers and herdsmen who come from afar. During the
festival, farmers will drive their horse carts to bring their
families to the annual festival. Some are fond of races, some
like to watch performances, while still others will set up stands
to sell home-made sweet milk dregs and other products. But most
people will stay in their own tents and enjoy themselves until
nightfall. The Dharma Festival usually lasts seven to 10 days.
