800-year-old Tiji festival marked in Lhomanthang

Myagdi, May 18: Tiji, a historical and cultural festival that started some 800 years ago in Lhomangthan, the Upper belt in Himalayan district of Mustang, was marked with great fanfare this year.

The Tiji festival that commenced on Tuesday has concluded on Thursday.

The festival was observed by showcasing Thanka with the portraits of Buddhist religious guru Padhmasamba and offering pooja as per the religious rituals. 

As per the historical texts, the Tiji festival is being marked since the 13th generation of Lhomanthang's king. 

The people in Lhomanthang still recognize the cultural king and Mukhiya Pratha.  

The people in the Upper Mustang, except those serving as the Lama for king, observe Tiji pooja wishing for good wishes after the demise of their family members. 

A traditional Thanka of nearly two-storied house tall is put for offerings and observation for the general public by taking out from the king's palace only in Tiji festival.   

The festival of Tiji is observed for three days by the residents of Lhomanthang and Lokhekar Damodarkunda rural municipalities on Jestha Krishna Dwadashi every year.  

Chhewang Rignjing Gurung, ward member of Lhomanthang Rural Municipality-5, said that the festival is the greatest and most popular festival of Lowa community.

According to Gurung, local residents of two rural municipalities as well as a large number of foreign tourists visited Lhomanthang to mark this festival. He was of the view that this festival is not only a culture and tradition but also a medium to bring in tourists.

Vice-chairperson of Lhomanthang Rural Municipality Chhyumi Bista said that the occupancy rate of 35 hotels in Lhomanthang was 100 per cent, with domestic and foreign tourists on this occasion. 

The 700-year-old monastery inside a mud wall, king's palace, culture of Lowa community and mountainous livelihood are the key attractions of Lhomanthang.(RSS)