As a traditional festival of Tibetan people in Xizang, the Xuedun Festival not only carries rich historical and cultural connotation, but also is an important platform to show Tibetan customs and national unity. Here is a detailed introduction to the Xuedun Festival:
1、 The Origin and Significance of Festivals
The Xuedun Festival originated in the mid-11th century AD and was originally a religious activity. According to legend, during the period of April to June in the Tibetan calendar, lamas are required to abide by Buddhist precepts, practice meditation in temples, and avoid outdoor activities to avoid harming living beings. After the lifting of the ban at the end of June, the public will prepare delicious food such as yogurt to entertain lamas and hold various celebration activities, gradually evolving into today’s Xuedun Festival. Xuedun means “yogurt feast” in Tibetan, which is a day for Tibetan people to gather together and share beautiful moments. Nowadays, the Xuedun Festival has become a comprehensive cultural event that integrates Buddhist activities, cultural performances, tourism and leisure.
2、 Holiday time and celebration methods
Time: The Xuedun Festival is usually held from June 15th to July 30th in the Tibetan calendar each year, and the specific dates may vary due to differences between the Tibetan calendar and the Gregorian calendar. For example, the Xuedun Festival in 2024 will grandly kick off on August 4th of the Gregorian calendar and last for four to five days.
Celebration method:
Exhibition of Buddha at Drepung Temple: The prelude to the Xuedun Festival is usually opened by the Buddha exhibition ceremony at Drepung Temple. Every year on the 30th day of the sixth lunar month, the Drepung Monastery displays a huge Buddhist thangka, attracting thousands of believers and tourists to come and worship and observe.
Watching Tibetan Opera: As the cultural essence of the Tibetan ethnic group, Tibetan Opera is the highlight of the Xuedun Festival. Tibetan opera performance teams from various regions take turns to showcase their specialties, comprehensively showcasing the achievements in the inheritance, protection, innovation, and development of Tibetan opera.
Guolinka: This is a traditional leisure activity of the Tibetan people, which means going on an outing in the garden. During the Xuedun Festival, Lhasa citizens will wear traditional clothes, carry sweet tea, buttered tea, highland barley wine and other delicacies, set up tents in Norbulingka, suburban areas and other places, and enjoy food, Tibetan opera and plateau summer with their families and friends.
Yogurt Feast: During the Xuedun Festival, yogurt is an essential delicacy. Tibetan families make their own yogurt, and there are also many sales points on the streets of Lhasa. Tasting yogurt has become one of the important ways for tourists to experience the culture of the Xuedun Festival.
3、 Festival features and highlights
The Xuedun Festival is not only a cultural feast, but also a display of national unity. Millions of Buddhists from all over the world flock to Lhasa to pilgrimage to the supreme Buddha with the most devout heart. In addition, the Xuedun Festival also integrates various folk activities such as horse racing and song and dance performances, allowing tourists to fully experience the unique charm of Tibetan culture.
4、 Travel Tips
For tourists who plan to go to Xizang to participate in the Xuedun Festival, here are some travel tips:
Transportation: You can choose to fly directly to Gongga Airport, or take a train or drive to Lhasa. It is recommended to plan your itinerary in advance and book air or train tickets.
Accommodation: Hotel bookings in Lhasa during the holiday season are quite tight. It is recommended to book in advance and choose a suitable accommodation location.
Wearing: The temperature difference between day and night on the Xizang Plateau is large, so you need to bring enough warm clothing. At the same time, sun protection measures are also essential because high altitude areas have strong ultraviolet radiation.
Attention: Respecting local customs and religious beliefs is a quality that every tourist should possess. Please follow the relevant regulations and pay attention to safety when participating in activities during the Xuedun Festival.
In a word, the Xuedun Festival is one of the important festivals for the Tibetan people in Xizang and an important platform to show Tibetan culture and national unity. By participating in the Xuedun Festival activities, tourists can deeply experience the unique charm of Tibetan culture and feel the local customs and traditions of the plateau region.
