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Tiji Festival (Tenji)
May 31, 2010
The Tenji festival is annual event indigenous to Lomanthang, Upper MUSTANG, Nepal. Tenji commonly pronounced "Teeji" is the abbreviated from of Tempa Chhirim which translates to "Prayer for World peace". Tenji commemorates the victory of Buddha's incarnation. Dhorje Sonam over a demon called Ma Tam Ru Ta, who was man eater and who caused storms and droughts to destroy people's houses and livestock. The dances performed by the monks of Lomanthang Chhyode Gumba during these three days festival enact the harassment of the Ma Tam Ru Ta, the birht of Dhorje Sonam the demon’s son and attempt by Dhorje Sonam to return the demon to the BUDDHA realm.
The monks perform a dance called “Tsa Chham” on the first day of the Tenji and “Nga Chham” on the second day. One monk hsa to stay in seclusion for three monks during the winter preparing for the role of Dhorje Sonam. One the third day, in a ceremony called “Rha chham” this monk in the role of Dhorje Sonam throws the effigy and Tsamppa representation of Ma Tam Ru Ta. It is believed that the village is purified of evil spirits at this time.
The Tenji festival falls from 27th to 29th days of third month of Tibetan calendar (April/may of every year). It is organized by Chhyode Gumba which is monastery of Sakyapa sect located in Lomanthang., upper MUSTANG. The monasteries abbot is Khempo Tashi Tenjin Rinpochhe and there are close to 35 other from Lomanthang, Nenyol and Chhoser in the monastery. Villagers from all over “Lho Tshu Dhyun” (the ancient kingdom of Lo) come to watch the dance and to participate in the accompanying festivities the villager of Lo also contribute firewood and necessary material to under take the festival.
Here are some Photographs.....
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05 Jun 2010 12:51 am |
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