Tiji Festival in Mustang Trek

Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trekking

It is crystal clear that Nepal is popular for its natural beauty and equally it is a rewarding destination for its cultural mysteries and heritages. The presence of hundreds of ethnic communities, religions and unique cultural observations make Nepal one of the preferred destinations for cultural and religious visits. Sixty different festivals are observed in Nepal every year. Each festival has its own way of observing and significance. To great surprise, every festival is celebrated with same passion and spirit so that the religious tolerance is enhanced. Among the celebrated in Nepal, Tiji is one of them. It is also known as Tenji is popular among Tibetan Buddhist which observed at Lo Manthang in the upper Mustang of Nepal.

Mustang region of Nepal is itself a completely isolated Himalayan kingdom of Nepal and more splendors is added by Tiji festival. We, Gorkha Adventure Pvt. Ltd has been operating different trips to Mustang region including Tiji festival cultural tour. Basically, Tibetan Buddhist celebrate this festival in the to celebrate the triumph of good over evil. During celebration, the Tibetan Buddhist devotees different mask dances connected to myth.

There is popular and interesting myth about this festival, Jiji or Tenji. The myth about Tiji is devoted to a deity named Dorje Juno and his evil father. His evil father wanted to destroy the kingdom of Upper Mustan and the son, Dorje Juno was compelled to battle against his own father in order to protect the kingdom and restore peace, prosperity and harmony among the people. Ultimately, the son, Dorje Juno was successful to drive away his evil father, Ma Tam Ruta and people were pleased to see his valor. So this festival was celebrated. Still, the people of Upper Mustang celebrate this festival with same passion.

Chasing of the demons’ is termed to the three day celebrations. All the participants of the celebration encounter at Lo Manthang from all over the Mustang and also from other parts of the country these days and observe strengthening the religious tolerance. Tiji festival normally falls in the month of May. Tiji festival is related to Buddhism to enhance world peace. The devotees or the holy monks perform different mask dance on each day. On the first day, they perform the dance called ‘TSA CHHAM’ and ‘NGA CHHAM’ on the second day. And on the third celebration, they perform the dance called ‘RHA CHHAM’. They celebrate it by throwing effigy and Tsampa believing that they will purify the evil spirits.

We, Gorkha Adventure Pvt. Ltd. operate a special pilgrimage trip package to Lo Manthang of Mustang, an alienated kingdom of Himalayas of Nepal. Thus, do not hesitate to join us.