Shaman festival (ཀླུ་རོལ་) / From 14th -23rd/2025
The Rebkong Shaman Festival in 2025 is a traditional Tibetan cultural celebration held annually in Rebkong (also known as Tongren) in Amdo, Tibet. Scheduled from July 14th to July 23rd, it coincides with the sixth lunar month of the Tibetan calendar, which falls during the summer.
This festival has a history spanning approximately 400 to 500 years and is characterized by vibrant folk entertainment and spiritual rituals. It is a lively event where local villagers participate actively, showcasing their devotion to the Mountain God and seeking blessings for protection and a good harvest.
During the festival, villagers engage in various activities: women dance, men beat drums, boys perform traditional dramas, and girls display their regional traditional dresses. The celebration is marked by colorful attire and festive atmosphere.
A central element of the festival involves inviting the local mountain god to partake in the ceremonies, with shamans acting as mediums. Rituals typically include offerings to local gods, climbing to mountain peaks above villages, performing ritual dances, lighting natural incense made from juniper, and throwing lungta (colorful paper “wind horses” symbolizing good luck and vitality) into the air. Participants chant mantras and prayers, creating a spiritual and joyful environment that embodies the rich cultural heritage of the Tibetan people in Rebkong.
