Great Prayer Festival of Miracles
On the 15th day of the first Tibetan month, coinciding with the major festival commemorating when the compassionate teacher Buddha Shakyamuni in ancient Shravasti used miraculous powers to defeat the six non-Buddhist teachers, His Holiness the Dalai Lama took his seat on the main throne in the Great Prayer Festival courtyard. After the morning session concluded, he proceeded to the teaching arena by horse-drawn carriage. For the assembled Khenpos, lamas, tulkus, monastic and lay officials, and the entire assembly of monks, he bestowed profound and extensive teachings from the wheel of Dharma. At this time, the great protector Nechung Chögyal was invited to attend as the protective deity. He arrived at the teaching arena from the southern section of the circumambulation path via the western palace. The great protector Chögyal prostrated with lotus offering and presented offerings before His Holiness the Dalai Lama, then departed, performing the consecration ritual at the Great Kitchen along the way. On occasional sudden visits, he would appear at the old fire temple. Even when His Holiness was not present and the Gaden Tripa Rinpoche had arrived at the teaching arena, the protectors activities continued as usual. At the teaching arena, a representative from the palace would offer a prayer scarf. After the midday meal, the caretaker of the courtyard arranged a throne with a lit back. His Holiness the Dalai Lama then arrived and took his seat. All the major and minor tulkus, including Gyaltul, as well as abbots, lamas, government officials, both monastic and lay, the chief chant leader of Drepung's main assembly, the chief chant leaders of the four colleges, the liturgical singers, and the monks of the three seats and Kalzangpa gathered. Together they performed extensive offerings and prayers during the Great Prayer Festival of Miracles. Following the evening tea break, His Holiness went to view the Choepa Chöpé (ritual feast offering) ceremony.
Chöpa of the Fifteenth Day
On the 15th day of the Tibetan month, after an early morning feast offering, elaborate butter sculptures were displayed in the Barkor by various institutions including the government, important incarnate lamas' residences, abbots, upper and lower Tantric colleges, cabinet ministers, Potala and Norbulingka treasuries, noble families, and senior officials. These displays featured various deities, the Five Dhyani Buddhas, Je Tsongkhapa and his disciples, the four harmonious friends, eight auspicious symbols, and eight precious substances, all arranged magnificently around the Barkor. In the evening at dusk, His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived in an open palanquin, accompanied by cabinet ministers, officials of various ranks, and both lay and monastic government officials in proper order. His Holiness viewed each display while the respective sponsors presented ceremonial scarves and received them back. A senior Tse Drung official announced each section's display register and assigned rankings. Before the procession, the bodyguard regiment cordoned off the area with ropes to control public movement. During the procession, the Potala musicians played arrow signals and trumpets, and ceremonial carpets were laid out. The bodyguard regiment played various instruments and moved slowly in front. The Drepung Monastery's disciplinarians, caretakers, and kitchen staff walked ahead, with kitchen staff making loud announcements. Eight young government officials carried traditional large butter lamps with long handles. Security forces in full arms stood at attention around the Barkor, saluting as His Holiness passed. After the viewing, military units paraded once around the Barkor playing their instruments before returning to their posts. After the ropes were removed, thousands of people rushed into the Barkor, sometimes resulting in dangerous crowding. As the crowd thinned, young men and women from different regions performed traditional songs and dances in front of the displays, engaging in song competitions that could last until dawn of the 16th day, sometimes continuing into the next day at the Lingkor. On an auspicious day of the waxing moon, special tea, noodle soup, rice, and white coins were traditionally distributed from the Potala's private chambers as offerings.
Torma offering prayer
On the 24th day of the 1st Tibetan month, the Nechung Oracle proceeded from Meru Nyingpa monastery through the Barkor to attend the Great Prayer Festival's assembly. There, he paid respects to the Ganden Tripa and visited the main sacred objects including the Jowo and Shakyamuni statues. That day marked the ritual expulsion ceremony following the Great Prayer Festival. The Ya-sor commander, wearing traditional yellow silk elephant-pattern robes and fur hat, led the cavalry units carrying sacred spears. The procession route went from Shol Kalsang bridge, past the outer pillar, through eastern monasteries, around Wangchen garden corner to Ramoche. The right column proceeded via Lingkor Prayer Bridge and Gyalhakhang, while the left column went via Ramoche and Me-ru front. At the meeting point, ritual offerings were made. The Oracle took his seat at the prepared throne where tea and rice were served. The public eagerly presented ceremonial scarves to the Ya-sor officials and their entourage. After confirming His Holiness the Dalai Lama had arrived at his private chambers in the Potala Palace to observe the ceremony, the Ya-sor commanders led their troops to Sabog ridge. There, the Drepung disciplinarians and officials performed three prostrations at the Jowo statue's crown measurement stone before proceeding further. The ceremonial army of 500 soldiers in traditional iron helmets, armor and bows performed military displays. The Namgyal and Tantric college monks conducted ritual exorcism ceremonies while the Ganden Tripa and sixteen Geshe Lharampa graduates attended. When the Nechung Oracle arrived at the Jokhang courtyard, offerings were made to His Holiness followed by ceremonial scarves from government representatives. The Oracle performed ritual dances and cast ceremonial arrows toward negative forces. The cavalry and infantry fired traditional Tibetan guns in sequence while ritual fires were lit. The Ya-mon military camp fired ten traditional cannons. The day concluded with an awards ceremony at the Potala where top Geshe Lharampa graduates received honors including yellow hats and robes. Government officials remained until the conclusion of all rituals, after which the Ya-sor officers and troops returned to their camp at Klu-sbug.
Great Assembly Feast (Tshogs Mchod Chen Mo)
On the 19th day of the 2nd Tibetan month, the Great Assembly Feast (Tshogs Mchod Chen Mo) was established by Desi Sangye Gyatso in memory of the incomparable Fifth Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso Jigme Gocha Thubten Langtso Pal Zangpo. This feast offering and prayer festival was established similar to the Great Prayer Festival (Monlam Chenmo). While the event shares similarities with the Great Prayer Festival in terms of monastic attendance, government-sponsored tea and food offerings, and the authority of the Drepung disciplinarians, the gathering is smaller since many monks from the major monasteries have already departed for distant places. However, eight Geshe Lharampa candidates still participate in their doctoral examinations during this time. On the 25th day, which marks the actual anniversary, elaborate government-sponsored tea and food offerings are made. Following tradition, the La-chag office presents white coins as offerings, while the Potala private chambers provide additional white coin offerings along with tea, noodle soup, and hot rice.
The Grand Sertreng (monastic procession) Tshokmchod Sertreng
On the 30th day of the 2nd Tibetan month, as soon as the sun's rays touched Drepung Monastery's Vulture Peak Mountain and Gepel Peak, the grand Sertreng (monastic procession) ceremony began. The ritual objects were led by incense bearers in formal attire, with Deyang Tenpa Dargye leading the first group carrying ceremonial brooms. They carried numerous precious and rare ritual objects in precise order, moving at a steady pace like pearls strung on a thread. The procession first made offerings at the entrance of the Jokhang Temple, then proceeded clockwise via the Barkhor's Enlightenment Path through Lubu Royal Gate, Yuthok Bridge, and Shol Doring ridge. As the first procession arrived, His Holiness the Dalai Lama took his seat in the Red Palace's Three Realms chamber. A massive thangka measuring about 250 feet was unfurled at the Potala Palace front. Following the ceremonial arrow signal, the monastic procession, supervisors, ritual object caretakers, Drepung disciplinarians, and other officials in formal dress proceeded slowly through the main gate of the Potala. At the thangka site, some monks performed prayers and invocation rituals while the Kashag and officials took their seats in pre-arranged tents. As tea and rice were served, the procession performed all four classes of tantric ritual dances with music and instruments. When they reached the white parasol section, the Nechung Oracle arrived in trance, paid respects to His Holiness and the thangka, presented offerings, and took his seat. The yak herder presented the first milk offering, and the Oracle bestowed ceremonial scarves. During his presence, the La-chag office offered golden tea and ceremonial scarves through attendants. After various officials presented scarves and received blessings, the procession proceeded to the Lukhang behind the Potala Palace. Once the thangka blessing ceremonies concluded, the thangka was rolled up. The ritual object caretakers and procession members rested for about two hours in the Dzong-gyab garden, enjoying elaborate meals from their respective quarters. Following the signal from the ritual objects supervisor, they proceeded in formation via the Lingkor path to make offerings at Ramoche Temple, then via Jebum hill, Purchok Labrang, Sha-sar hill, and Jo-bo's crown ornament. Upon return through the courtyard, the ritual objects secretary carefully checked everything against the register before returning items to their respective places. The grand ceremony concluded successfully with evening tea, during which the La-chag office presented ceremonial scarves and white coins to the monks.
The Great shift from Potala Palace to Norbulingka
Every year, on an auspicious day in the fourth Tibetan month, His Holiness the Dalai Lama would traditionally move from the Potala Palace to Norbulingka's Kalsang Palace for his summer residence. When the signal arrow was fired from the Potala Palace, the procession would begin, including cabinet ministers, senior officials, important incarnate lamas from the three great monasteries, abbots, teachers from various colleges, and others - all dressed in their formal ceremonial attire. The advance party would carry numerous ceremonial scarves, while officials would carry the Wheel of Existence and other items on horseback. Personal attendants would transport elaborately decorated storage chests with gold and silver ornaments, along with His Holiness's personal tent and belongings on specially adorned horses with golden saddles and traditional ornaments. The officials would line up at the circular horse path according to their rank. When His Holiness traveled in the Great Palanquin, he would be accompanied by the palanquin bearers and military officers. His two tutors, the Prime Minister, his parents, and cabinet ministers would be in close attendance, followed by other government officials in formation. The Tse Chamberlains would supervise the procession on both sides. From the corner of the Apple Garden, two officials would announce the procession order in loud voices. Along the route, monks from various monasteries would form lines, while traditional dancers and singers including heroes, heroines, and the Tashi Sholpa performers would present songs with deep respect. Military units would line the route with their commanders and officers saluting according to protocol. Countless people in formal dress would seek blessings while incense smoke filled the divine path. The route would be cleaned and decorated with white stones, three-colored lines, and auspicious symbols. Upon His Holiness's safe arrival at Norbulingka Kalzang Palace, he would grant audiences during a celebratory reception in the sunlit chamber. Outside the palace, all performers would present their best songs before returning to their respective places, thus concluding the ceremonial procession for that day.
Birthday celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama
On the 5th day of the 5th Tibetan month (later fixed as July 6th), the birthday celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama takes place. At both the Potala and Norbulingka Palaces, the Treasury Office makes arrangements for ceremonial offerings, including incense offerings to local deities, offerings to birth deities, and the installation of new prayer flags appropriate to His Holiness's well-being. In the morning, the noble family members present the three inner sacred objects with ceremonial scarves in the private chambers. An audience is held with tea and rice served. The Kashag and officials above the rank of Tse Drungyig wear new formal attire. When at the Potala, His Holiness sits on the throne at Ganden Yangtse chamber, and when at Norbulingka, at the Tsokyil Palace's Lhundrub Gatsal. His two tutors present long-life substances, touch foreheads in blessing, and give protective cords. The Treasury presents the tutors with ceremonial scarves while the Potala office offers fine wool textiles. The Cabinet ministers and senior officials in new formal attire present pure white ceremonial scarves according to rank and receive audiences and blessed cords. His Holiness then circumambulates the Tsokyil Palace before proceeding to the sunlit chamber for refreshments and a second tea service before concluding the morning audience. The noble family entourage visits the Norbulingka Protector Chapel for prayers and additional offerings. They then proceed on horseback to the Birth Deity Temple about two miles east of Lhasa, where there is a surrounding garden. As per tradition, they conduct elaborate offerings to the birth deities, install new prayer flags, and present His Holiness's prayer scarves to the sacred objects. The government hosts an elaborate two-day feast for the Dalai Lama's parents and entourage. When the noble family hosts two days of feasts for monastic and lay officials of certain rank, the guests first offer auspicious greetings and white ceremonial scarves to the Dalai Lama's parents, along with prayer scarves and petitions to the birth deity shrines. On this auspicious day, all residents of Lhasa and Shol districts, both lay and monastic, dress in their finest clothes and make offerings of incense, libations, and ceremonial scarves at various protector chapels like Palha Zhidrak and Menying Pehar. They also perform water offerings by the Kyichu River and raise prayer flags in great celebration.
Universal Incense Offering(Zamling Chisang)
On the 15th day of the 5th Tibetan month, a ceremony called "Universal Incense Offering" is held in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. This month, the 5th month corresponding to the monkey month, is a unique time to commemorate Guru Padma Sambhava's taming of all the gods and demons of Tibet. Therefore, on an auspicious day before the 15th of this month, the government performs elaborate propitiation rituals for the main state protector deities, including the Great Nechung Chogyal Chenpo and Gadong Shingja Chenpo. The Tsechu (Deity Day) is accompanied by the senior Khenpo representing the Dalai Lama and the Lungshu (Edict Reading) from the Secretariat, along with ceremonial scarves. All members of the Kashag (Cabinet) and the entire Shokhor (Secretariat) attend the Tsechu, offering five-colored ceremonial scarves and golden first tea to the protective deities. The deities then bestow prophecies concerning the Buddhist teachings and state affairs, after which the government officials return. His Holiness the Dalai Lama visited the summer palace at Norbulingka, and to celebrate this or as a summer festival, a grand celebration was held. For this, all government officials were invited to the Tsezimchungkhak for a three-day reception or summer festival. Each office also organized three-day parties for all their staff members. On this occasion, all relevant government officials, both from the Tsetse and Shöd, were invited without distinction. On the 15th, in the morning, all the deities and protectors whose presence had been requested and approved by the main state protector Oeden Karpo, such as the Lhakhuis, were invited with elaborate offerings by their respective priests and caretakers. They were presented with ceremonial scarves, tea, and ceremonial chang. Following these events, a grand festival was held where the entire public performed elaborate incense offerings and prayers at Pal Lhachok and other temples and shrines of public and private deities, as well as along the riverbanks. It was customary to spend five or six days enjoying picnics in the parks around Lhasa.
Sho-ton Dance Festival
On the 29th day of the 6th Tibetan month, the Sho-ton festival opens with a special performance. Sho-ton is named after the celebration held in the middle of the summer retreat (dbyar gnas) by the monastic communities, headed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the supreme protector and lord of the precious teachings of Lord Buddha and his followers. The three seats (gdan gsum) and abbots and tulkus from all the monasteries participate. To prevent obstacles to the teachings by the demon king Ararati, and to please the demon forces, a performance that does not conform to the noble Dharma is presented as a form of desired teaching. On the morning of this day, the Lhamo (Tibetan opera) White Mask 'Phyong rgyas spun bdun, Yarlung Trasi Zholpa, Nyemo, and Nangtse groups lead the Lhamo Hunter performance. Then, Gyalkhar Chosdzong, Shangs Riwoche, Chung Riwoche, Kyormolung, Shero Drong Tse, and dancers perform first at the Potala Palace, then at Norbulingka, and finally in the evening at Drepung Palace, offering special performances of Lhamo dance and music.