Lo-Manthang- a capital city of Upper Mustang- celebrates a fascinating annual festival for three days; called as Tiji. This festival is announced by the Rinpoche of Gumba and usually falls on the month of May. Tiji or Tenji is abbreviated from the word “Tempa Chhirim” which means the prayer for the World Peace. This festival is celebrated as “the chasing of the demons”.
Myth related to Tenji festival is a series of celebration of the victory over the demon. Story tells about a demon name MA TAM RU TA, used to trouble the villagers and their livestock causing storms and droughts. A deity name Dorje Jono, battle against the demon, who was unfortunately his own father and save kingdom of Mustang from Destruction.
The demonstration is performed by the monks of CHHYODE GUMBA, is the main attraction of this festival. Chhyode Gumba sheltered around 65 monks having Rinpoche as the head. This Gumba follows Sakya Cult of Lamastic Buddhism.
For three days, mask dance is performed displaying the story of the harassment of the MA TAM RU TA, the birth of Dorji- son of demon and attempt by Dorji to return the demon to the Buddha realm. First day mask dance is called as TSA CHHAM, shows the harassment of demon; second day dance is called as NGA CHHAM shows the birth of Dorji Jono and third and the final day is called as RHA CHHAM which shows the attempts to return of the demon to the Buddha realm.
Every year, huge group from all over the world participate in Upper Mustang Trek to observe the Tenji festival. This year, it was held from 22nd May to 24th May and the date for 2018 is about to published soon. Be part of the extraordinary and most impressive drama, played by the great monk of Chhyode Gumba, the isolated valley, previliged culture and lifestyle.
