The Saga Dawa Festival in Tibet, celebrated during the fourth month of the Tibetan lunar calendar, marks the birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana of Buddha Shakyamuni. This sacred festival is one of the most important events in Tibetan Buddhism, drawing pilgrims to Tibet for spiritual journeys and rituals.
🌄 Embracing the Saga Dawa Festival: A Month of Merit and Spiritual Significance
Saga Dawa, the fourth month in the Tibetan lunar calendar, is a time of profound spiritual significance. It commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana (passing) of Buddha Shakyamuni. During this month, acts of virtue are believed to be magnified a hundred thousand times, making it an auspicious period for Buddhists to accumulate merit through pilgrimage, prayer, and acts of kindness.
🕯️ Rituals and Traditions During the Saga Dawa Festival in Tibet
Pilgrimage and Kora
A central practice during Saga Dawa is the kora—circumambulation of sacred sites. Pilgrims walk clockwise around holy places, such as the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa or Mount Kailash, often prostrating with each step. This act symbolizes devotion and the purification of negative karma.
Lighting Butter Lamps
Monasteries and temples glow with butter lamps during Saga Dawa. Lighting a lamp is symbolic of wisdom dispelling ignorance. It’s a common practice to offer butter lamps in temples and monasteries during this festival.
Offering Prayer Flags
Colorful prayer flags are strung across mountains, homes, and stupas. These flags carry prayers and blessings on the wind, promoting peace, compassion, and wisdom.
Acts of Kindness and Charity
During Saga Dawa, Tibetans engage in acts of generosity. It’s a time when people give more generously to the poor. In Tibetan, the festival is called “Qiong Ren Jie”, which translates to Poor People’s Day. Tibetans practice giving to monks, nuns, and the poor of the community. They believe that giving to the poor accumulates merits, especially during this month .
🏔️ Pilgrimage to Mount Kailash: The Heart of Saga Dawa Festival
Mount Kailash, located in Western Tibet, becomes the focal point during Saga Dawa. Pilgrims from around the world gather here to perform the kora around the mountain, replace the towering Tarpoche flagpole, and offer incense, food, and prayer flags to deities and spirits. The kora around Mount Kailash is believed to wash away a lifetime of sins .
📅 When Is the Saga Dawa Festival in Tibet and How to Plan Your Pilgrimage
In 2025, Saga Dawa will be observed on June 12th, corresponding to the 15th day of the fourth month in the Tibetan lunar calendar. However, the entire month is considered sacred, with celebrations and acts of merit continuing throughout.
🧭 Suggested Itinerary for Pilgrims
For those wishing to experience Saga Dawa in Tibet, consider the following itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa
Day 2: Visit Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street
Day 3: Perform kora around Jokhang Temple
Day 4: Travel to Mount Kailash
Day 5: Begin the kora around Mount Kailash
Day 6: Continue the kora
Day 7: Complete the kora and return to Lhasa
🛍️ Cultural Souvenirs
During Saga Dawa, pilgrims often acquire items that hold spiritual significance:
Thangka Paintings: Depicting Buddhist deities and teachings.
Prayer Wheel Pendants: Symbolizing the spreading of blessings.
Mantra Jewelry: Engraved with sacred syllables.
💬 Join the Conversation
Have you experienced Saga Dawa in Tibet? Share your stories and insights in the comments below. If you’re planning to attend, feel free to ask questions or seek advice from fellow travelers and spiritual seekers.
