Xizang has a variety of traditional festivals, most of which are closely related to Tibetan Buddhism, farming culture and nomadic life. After thousands of years of history, it has left a colorful festival.

1. Tibetan New Year (Losar)

The Tibetan New Year, like the Han Chinese Spring Festival, is the most solemn festival of the year for the Tibetan people. On New Year's Day, families gather together to make "Gutu" (Nine Treasure Noodle Dumpling Soup) and perform a ritual of exorcising evil spirits and praying for blessings. "Chema boxes" (auspicious boxes filled with highland barley and tsamba) will also be placed for the festival, and relatives, friends and neighbors will exchange blessings. At the Potala Palace, the "fragrant cloth" (colorful window curtains) will be replaced, symbolizing a new year and new atmosphere.

2. Shoton Festival

The Shoton Festival, also known as the "Yogurt Festival", originated from the custom of monks enjoying yogurt after being banned from food during the summer. During the festival, there is a Buddha exhibition activity at Drepung Monastery, where a huge Shakyamuni thangka is displayed in the early morning, creating a spectacular scene. Traditional Tibetan opera has been performed in Norbulingka Park for many consecutive days. Tibetan families have picnics, sing and dance in the suburbs, which is called the Linka Festival.

3.Saga Dawa Festival 

The Saga Dawa Festival is to commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and Nirvana of Buddha Shakyamuni. Believers engage in activities such as transferring scriptures, releasing animals, and giving alms.

4. Butter Lamp Festival

The Butter Lamp Festival is to commemorate Master Tsongkhapa, and temples and families will light butter lamps. The Jokhang Temple and Potala Palace in Lhasa are brightly lit all day long, and believers devoutly perform rituals such as chanting scriptures and praying for blessings.

5.Ongkor Festival 

During the Ongkor Festival, farmers parade around the fields, holding Buddha statues and carrying scriptures to pray for blessings, celebrating a bountiful harvest. There are also activities such as horse racing, archery, song and dance performances.

6. Gyantse Horse Racing Festival

The Gyantse Horse Racing Festival is the most famous horse racing event in Xizang, with superb riding and shooting and wonderful equestrian performances.

7.Bathing Festival

During the Bathing Festival, Tibetan people bathe in rivers and lakes, believing that the water at this time has the effect of dispelling diseases.

8. Tashilhunpo Thangka Festival

On this day, giant thangkas of "past Buddha," "present Buddha," and "future Buddha" will be displayed in the Tashilhunpo  monastery in Shigatse.

9. Nyingchi New Year

The New Year in Nyingchi area is two months earlier than the Tibetan New Year. Traditional activities include archery, Guozhuang dance, and worshipping the goddess of harvest.

10. Palden Lhamo Festival

The Palden Lhamo Festival is also known as the "Fairy Festival". On this day, women can ask for gifts from men, it's symbolizing good luck.