Tibetan Fairy Festival: A Day of Prayer and Celebration
Unlike Tibet's larger, more boisterous celebrations, such as Shoton Festival, the Fairy Festival, also called the "Women's Festival," offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of Tibetan women and their traditions. If you're planning a Tibet winter tour, timing your visit to coincide with this festival will add a layer of depth to your journey. This festival falls annually on the 15th day of the 10th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar, which typically aligns with early to mid-November in the Gregorian calendar. The atmosphere is one of "solemn blessing" and "heartwarming reunion," centered deeply around respect for women.
Days before the festival, women skillfully craft butter sculptures, kneading and shaping white butter into delicate floral patterns. These sculptures, symbolizing purity and wisdom, are central offerings to Palden Lhamo (the protective deity honored during the festival). Alongside these, freshly brewed barley wine is poured into painted clay pots, each detail imbued with prayers for abundance.
In monasteries like Jokhang Temple and Sera Monastery, monks meticulously clean halls and restore sacred thangkas (scroll paintings), ensuring every ritual element shines for the day's ceremonies.
At dawn, the heart of the celebration unfolds at Jokhang Temple. Hundreds of Tibetan women, dressed in traditional chubas, gather with offerings: butter lamps, khata scarves, and fruits. They circle the temple in a clockwise direction, murmuring mantras, and their footsteps echoing in the crisp morning air. Inside the temple, the statue of Palden Lhamo is placed on a lotus throne, surrounded by flickering butter lamps and the scent of juniper incense.
By mid-morning, the "Palden Lhamo Procession" begins—a solemn yet vibrant parade where monks carry a portable statue of the deity through Barkhor Street. Locals and visitors line the route, offering scarves and prayers. While the festival doesn't feature large-scale parades , this intimate procession radiates a powerful sense of community.
As the day unfolds, the focus shifts to family gatherings. In homes across Lhasa, women host friends and relatives, serving sweet milk tea, tsampa, and homemade pastries. Gift-giving—often scarves or handmade butter sculptures—symbolizes wishes for wisdom and well-being.
For travelers, this is a golden moment to connect with locals. Join a family for tea, or visit a community square to watch the circle dances. As evening sets in, bonfires ignite, and strangers are warmly welcomed into the dance—a beautiful fusion of spirituality and joy.
Conclusion
Sign up for a butter sculpture workshop through local guides. Though your creation might not rival those of seasoned artisans, the process is a memorable way to engage with Tibetan culture. You can even offer your artwork at a temple or keep it as a souvenir.
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35 Comment ON "Tibetan Fairy Festival: A Day of Prayer and Celebration"
Asked by Liliana Me** from Macau
plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April
Hi! I would like to plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April (3rd to 10th ideally) to Nepal, Tibet, and, if possible, Bhutan. Do you think it would be doable? Based on what I read, there are some places/things to do to consider: Nepal: Everest Base Camp trek and the Annapurna Circuit, ancient temples, sacred sites like Lumbini, Kathmandu, Tibet: The Potala Palace in Lhasa and the Jokhang Temple. eventually the holy Mount Kailash or the high-altitude plains. Bhutan: Thimphu, Paro, and the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery. To take part in cultural traditions, yoga, meditation... Of course I am open to any recommendations you could make. For your reference, we are both based in Asia: him, in Bangkok and myself in Macau. Thank you so much for the information you could provide and, if possible, an estimated budget for your offer.
Asked by Ke** from Singapore
Cycling Tour to Mt Kailash
Hi , we are planning a Cycling Trip once Tibet opens for Tourism. The plan is we shall arrive to Kathmandu , travel to the border and enter via Kerung. Can you pls send a day to day Itinerary starting from Kerung - Lake Manasarovar - Darchen - Asthapath. We shall go around Kailash on foot and resume Cycling back to Kerung. We are a Group of 6-8 persons. Thanks Pls send ur reply to Kevin
Asked by Debo** from USA
Please can you tell me the prices and dates for the Tibet Luxury Tour.
Also, could you please provide a detailed itinerary - I want to see how many hours are spent on buses/vehicles. Thank you! Deborah
Asked by S** from HongKong
Tibet Tour from HK
May I know if holding Mainland Travel Permit for HK Residents. is it also need to get the visa permit to Tibet and what is the procedure if need to apply? Thank you
Asked by Na** from USA
Is Kailash Mansarovar Trip open for Indian Passport Holder?
Is it open for Indian Passport Holder?
Asked by A** from Singapore
Enquiry on private tour
We are planning a trip from Hong Kong to Tibet during the 12th to 21st of April. We want a private tour that covers all the scenic places as well as the EBC. Please advise an itinerary along with the cost breakdown. Thanks.
Asked by Na** from Canada
We would like to take the train from Xining to Lhasa
Asked by Gr** from Canada
The "Tibet Entry Permit" should be apply
Asked by Tam** from Singapore
Sightseeing Potala Palace
Asked by Ka** from Singapore
plan to travel to Mount Kailash