Saga Dawa Festival
Saga Dawa Festival is one of the most influential religious festivals in Tibet is the celebration of the 15th day of the fourth month on the Tibetan calendar. This auspicious date marks the birth, enlightenment, and attainment of nirvana by Sakyamuni, the Buddha. Lasting for an entire month, the festivities commence on the first day of the fourth month. The central ritual involves the worship of the Buddha and a clockwise circumambulation of Lhasa, encompassing the inner, middle, and outer parts of the city. The festival is characterized by devout practices such as sutra chanting, prayer turning, and Cham dancing, all steeped in religious significance. Additionally, a spirit of compassion pervades the celebration, with many people refraining from killing animals and generously offering alms to those in need, exemplifying the profound spiritual devotion that defines this important Tibetan festival.