Tibet Festival - History of Gyantse Dama Festival

With a history of more than 600 years, Gyantse Dama Festival has been listed as a state-level folk festival. Gyantse County is located by Nianchu River – a famous tributary of Yarlung Zangbo River. It is a noted ancient town which has been listed as a state-level historical and cultural city.

Development of Gyantse Dama Festival

The local Tibetans take Dama Festival as a traditional festival for recreation and entertainment during the slack farming season. Thousands of Tibetans would collect together and enjoy various performances and sport competitions, including horse racing and Tibetan opera. The running horses could take the misfortune away according to the Tibetans.

It is said that the Gyantse Dama Festival is the grandest festival in Shigatse Area. Actually, it is a large sports meeting for the farmers and herdsman. Various sports games were took into the celebration of the festival, including archery, push-and-pull, horse racing, yak racing and some other games.

Gyantse Dama Festival also offers local Tibetans the chance to communicate with each other and exchange their products. Besides, it is also a good occasion to make friends for the young girls and boys. They would look for their lovers in the singing and dancing during the festival.

A Tibet Festival Tour during Gyantse Dama Festival

In middle 17th century, the Fifth Dalai Lama strengthened the unification of politics and religion. Hence, religious activities and sport games were took into the celebration of Gyantse Dama Festival. The celebration of this festival would last for three days and materials exchange activities would be held in the following days.

Shigatse is noted as a Sunshine City for its strong sun radiation in June according to Tibetan calendar, but it is pretty pleasant since the temperature is only about 20?. Tourists would feel relaxed and happy when the picturesque natural landscapes rush into the eyes.

Planning a Tibet festival tour during the Gyantse Dama Festival, tourists could witness or join the celebration of the festival. Tibetan style food and drinks would be available. It also offers tourists the chance to experience the daily life of the local people and explore the culture and history of Gyantse Area.