| The Darma
Festival
ĦĦĦĦThe
Darma Festival is a well-known festival in Gyangze, with a history
of more than 500 years. Now one of the most popular folk festivals
in Tibet, it has a long story. It is said that after the death of
Palba Sangpo, Prince of Dharma of Gyangze of the Sagya Kingdom,
his disciples, lamas and the public would hold sacrificial rites
each year to his memory, which was later stopped due to social turmoil.
In 1408, Raodain Gongsang, son of Palba Sangpo, took the position
of Prince of Dharma of Gyangze, who restarted the sacrificial activities
that were held from April 10 to 27 on the Tibetan calendar, in addition
to entertainment, such as exhibitions of Tangka painting scrolls,
religious _chammo dance,_ horse-racing and _Dagor Myigor_ (sword-playing
of ancient knights). By 1447, when Zhazi Rabdain became Prince of
Dharma of Gyangze, more entertaining activities had been added,
such as shooting on horseback, Tibetan Opera, song and dance. Thus,
the Darma Festival was born. Another story says that the festival
originated in the celebration of the completion of the Palkor Monastery.
Today, the Darma Festival starts with Buddha painting unfolding
festival on April 15 on the Tibetan calendar as a prelude every
year, and officially opens on April 18. The 19 townships in the
Gyangze County gather to celebrate the festival, which also attracts
people from everywhere. Today, the Darma Festival is not only a
folk festival but an exchange with a theme of _promoting economy
through cultural activities._ During the festival, besides traditional
sport items such as shooting on horseback, there are other contemporary
pastimes such as ball games and track events. Around the sports
ground are tent shops where trade takes place, and tents of farmers
and herdsmen who come from afar. During the festival, farmers will
drive their horse carts to bring their families to the annual festival.
Some are fond of races, some like to watch performances, while still
others will set up stands to sell home-made sweet milk dregs and
other products. But most people will stay in their own tents and
enjoy themselves until nightfall. The Darma Festival usually lasts
seven to 10 days.
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