His Holiness Dalai Lama Celebrate Tibetan New Year in Minnesota 2014

Dalai Lama's first Tibetan New Year outside India in 55 years
 

Phayul  (Friday, February 28, 2014)
MINNESOTA February 27: The Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama who is currently on a three-week visit to the United States will be celebrating the Tibetan New Year here in Minneapolis, Minnesota on March 2, his first outside his adopted home India since coming into exile 55 years ago. Sources say that Mark Dayton, governor of Minnesota, has turned down an invitation to join the exiled leader on the first day of the Tibetan New Year citing health reasons. The newly elected Mayor of Minneapolis, Betsy Hodges, will accompany the Dalai Lama on the Tibetan New Year celebrations organized by the Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota. The mayor will read “the Tibet Day proclamation in honour of the Dalai Lama and Tibet” during the celebrations. A day before the Tibetan New Year, the Tibetan spiritual leader will speak at the 26th annual Nobel Peace Prize Forum organized by the Nobel Peace Prize Forum and Augsburg college in St Paul, the capital city of Minnesota. The Tibetan leader will meet with around 270 Chinese students and take questions on various issues including the Middle Way Approach policy of the Tibetan administration, according to Ngawang Chime, a member of the organizing committee. His Holiness regularly meets with Chinese people, especially students, during his visits to various countries. China often calls the Nobel Peace laureate a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” and accuse him of seeking “disguised independence” through the policy of middle way approach. Beijing warns world leaders against meeting the Tibetan leader saying it opposes any meddling into "China’s internal affairs." However, US president Barack Obama last Friday met the Tibetan spiritual leader in the White House, and sat for about an hour discussing range of issues. submitted by Tendar Tsering in Minnesota.   Celebrating Tibetan New Year of 2014

Mt. Kailash Pilgrimage Trek in the Year of Horse 2014

2014 is the year of horse in Tibetan calendar, occurring every twelve years. According to Tibetan tradition, Buddhists make pilgrimage to holy mountains in the year of horse. As the most sacred mountains in Tibet, Mount Kailash in western Tibet receives more visitors than others, especially during Saga Dawa Festival which is held at the Kailash region annually in each April in Tibetan calendar (around May or June in western calendar). The Saga Dawa Kailash tour is also considered as the most interesting and authentic tour event in western Tibet each year. In 2014, the holiest year at this region, the event will be more attractive for visitors. The Kailash is expected to witness over 60,000 pilgrims and visitors in 2014.

 Mt. Kailash

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Festival Tour in Tibet

Saga Dawa Festival

Tibet The Saga Dawa festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the 4th Tibetan month and is one of the most important religious festivals celebrated in Tibet. This auspicious day coincides with three important events in Buddha's life namely his birth, nirvana and parinirvana (death). Since the Saga Dawa festival falls on the holiest month of the Tibetan calendar, it is believed that good deeds and prayers are multiplied thousand fold during this event. So we can see everyone immersed in prayers and trying to appease the gods.

During the fourth month of the Tibetan calendar, many people refrain from killing animals and give out alms to everyone who comes asking for it. There may not be overt celebrations everywhere, but even then you can easily discern the festive spirit in the air during the Saga Dawa festival. If you are in Tibet around that time, don't forget to be a part of the huge crowd that visits the Dzongyab Lukhang Park at the foot of Potala for a late afternoon picnic. In fact, this has become some sort of a yearly ritual for the people in Tibet.

The Tarboche flagpole replacing exercise is also an interesting event that takes place during the Saga Dawa festival. As people from all parts of Tibet gather here for this annual event, they bring small prayer flags to attach to the big flag that comes up with the combined help of the onlookers that come to witness the event. It is really fascinating to watch this event that is presided over by a Lama from the nearby monastery.

The Saga Dawa festival is truly a celebration that encompasses everyone into its fold casting aside all barriers of nationality, religion or color. In fact, being a part of this holy event is such a moving experience that you come back with a deep sense of inner satisfaction that stays with you for a long time. To be a part of the Saga Dawa festival, you just need to contact us and enjoy a vacation that would be memorable in every sense.

 Saga Dawa Festival in Lhasa area, Tibet

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