
How to Participate in Saga Dawa Rituals Respectfully
In 2025, the Saga Dawa Festival will be celebrated from May to June, climaxing on June 11th. This month-long festival commemorates Buddha Sakyamuni's birth, enlightenment, and nirvana. Throughout Tibet, especially in Lhasa, you'll see numerous religious activities. Pilgrims circumambulate around the Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street. At Mount Kailash, the flagpole-erecting ceremony at Tarboche and kora around Mt Kailash are the major events. In Lhasa's Longwangtan Park, Tibetan people gather for picnics. It's a wonderful opportunity to experience Tibetan culture and observe the devout practices of the locals. If you plan to travel to Tibet during the Saga Dawa Festival, it is advisable to learn in advance about relevant etiquette, taboos, and other important information.
Respect Religious Customs
During the Saga Dawa Festival, many Tibetan people abstain from killing animals and may choose to eat vegetarian food during this sacred month. When turning prayer wheels , always move in a clockwise direction, as this is considered auspicious. The same applies when walking around temples or monasteries; always proceed in a clockwise manner. Avoid touching religious items such as Buddha statues, scriptures, and prayer beads, as these are sacred and should be treated with reverence. Dress modestly and appropriately when attending religious activities, refraining from wearing revealing or inappropriate clothing. Do not disturb ongoing rituals by making noise and always seek permission before taking photos of religious ceremonies. Refrain from casually chanting mantras or sutras unless you understand their proper pronunciation and context. Avoid stepping on or crossing over mani stone piles and prayer flag arrays, and never step on thresholds.
Show Good Manners When Interacting with Tibetan People
Remember to avoid using your index or middle finger to point at people. Instead, use your thumb or an open hand to gesture. Also, refrain from touching someone's head, as ones head is regarded as sacred in Tibetan culture. When greeting, a warm smile and a respectful nod are appropriate. If offered a traditional Tibetan greeting with a Hada, accept it with both hands as a sign of respect. Be mindful of personal space and avoid overly familiar physical contact, such as hugs or pats on the back, unless initiated by the Tibetan people. When speaking, use polite language and avoid loud or confrontational tones.
Conclusion
By adhering to these practices, you can participate in the Saga Dawa Festival in a respectful and meaningful way, honoring the deep spiritual significance of this time for the Tibetan people.
34 Comment ON "How to Participate in Saga Dawa Rituals Respectfully"
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
Asked by Nyen** from India
Lhasa potala place visit and monastery visit
Lhasa potala place visit and monastery visit, we are three people and 2 adults and 1 infant 2 Indian Passport and 1 Nepal passport. we have applied for a China visa also.