This festival celebrates the Jampa Buddha (Maitreya Buddha in Tibetan Buddhism), regarded as a future Buddha of this world in Tibetan Buddhist eschatology. It is the most important Tibetan Buddhist festival celebrated on the 15th day of the first Tibetan Calendar. During this day, monks start chanting Buddhist scriptures within The Garden Sumtseling Monastery(also known as The Songzanlin Monastery ) in the early morning. At nine o’clock AM, they get Jampa Buddha outside the inner sanctuary within the temple into the garden with worship. Then the guard of honor circles the Monastery clockwise. Behind the guard of honor, bodhisattvas and believers present Hada to Jampa Buddha while chanting hymns all the way and praying for good luck and peace in the New Year.

Hotel Recommendation: Songtsam Linka Retreat Shangri-La

Gedong Festival is an unusual Tibetan Buddhist festival held in Yunnan’s monasteries. The Cham dance performed at the ceremony is one of the most powerful scenes that guests can experience. For most Tibetan people，the Cham dance is the climax, as performers put on masks and clothes that portray deities and ghosts.Gedong Festival usually takes place in the winter and the specific date is decided by the different religious sects.

Hotel Recommendation: Songtsam Linka Retreat Shangri-La; Songtsam Lodge Benzilan