Tibetan Ongkor Festival: Embrace Tibetan Harvest Celebration

We Tibetans take great pride in our vibrant culture, celebrating festivals nearly every month. One of our most cherished occasions is the Ongkor Festival, held in early September. This lively event unites our communities in gratitude and prayer for a bountiful autumn harvest, featuring traditional rituals, music, dance, and communal feasting.

In this article, we’ll explore the significance of the Ongkor Festival, highlighting its unique traditions. We’ll also share how you can join us as we celebrate this beautiful expression of Tibetan culture.

What is the Ongkor Festival and Why we Celebrate it?

The Ongkor Festival, or the “Bumper Harvest Festival,” is a traditional Tibetan celebration that expresses hope for an upcoming successful harvest while praying for ongoing prosperity. "Ongkor" translates to "circle the field" in Tibetan.

Attending the Ongkor Festival offers a unique opportunity to experience authentic Tibetan local customs and rituals firsthand through traditional singing, dancing, chanting, and worship. This vibrant celebration features colorful parades, performances, and sports competitions.

Experiencing Ongkor Festival in Tibet

By participating in the rituals and prayers, you’ll gain unique insights and a deeper appreciation of Tibetan beliefs and their connection to the land. Visiting the Ongkor Festival isn’t just about witnessing a cultural event; it's an enriching experience that offers a meaningful glimpse into the gratitude and spirituality of Tibetan life.

When and How Ongkor Festival is Celebrated?

The Ongkor Festival takes place in the farming regions of Tibet during the 8th month of the Tibetan calendar, just before autumn begins. Given Tibet’s vast expanse, the harvest time varies across different regions, meaning the festival is not celebrated simultaneously throughout the area, and the recreational activities differ accordingly.

Ongkor usually lasts for three days.

The 1st Day: Families gather together to prepare ceremonial offerings, food, traditional costumes, and ritual items. Community leaders and monks perform purification rituals to bless the festival.

The 2nd Day: This day is dedicated to the parading ceremony, during which each family selects one member to represent them in the farmland parade. The whole team walks through all the farmland in the village, singing and chanting as a form of worship to the god of protection, seeking farmland protection.

Parade Team march around the farmland

The 3rd day: People will gather to watch cultural performances at the village auditorium, such as Tibetan opera and Mask Dance. There are also sporting competitions like archery and horse racing.

A Tibetan farmer performs traditional horseback archery

Our beloved guests and local Tibetans get together to celebrate Ongkor festival

Can I Join in the Ongkor Festival during Tibet Trip?

September to October is one of the best times to visit Tibet. If you are visiting Tibet during this time, you could fully immerse yourself in the celebrations of this festival alongside local Tibetans.

Celebrating Ongkor Festival in Tibet

For a deeper experience of the Ongkor Festival, contact us for an unforgettable tailor-made trip. We’ll provide you with the the most authentic festival experience possible. If you choose to join our small group tours, you’ll still encounter local celebrations along the way, with our local guides ensuring that everyone enjoys a taste of the festivities.

Video about Ongkor Festival

Conclusion

The Ongkor Festival is a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique and authentic culture of Tibet. If your autumn visit coincides with this important festival, you’re guaranteed colorful days, a joyful atmosphere, and a truly unique experience. Ready to embark on this cultural journey? Join us with our carefully designed Tibet Festival Tours and we’ll ensure you have the most authentic festival experience possible in Tibet.