Gaden Nga Choe

Gaden Nga Choe is an important and vibrant Tibetan Buddhist festival celebrated at the Gaden Monastery, one of the three major monasteries of the Gelug (Yellow Hat) school of Tibetan Buddhism. The festival is held annually, typically around the 25th day of the 10th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar, which falls between December and January.

Gaden Nga Choe, also known as the “Gaden Festival”, is a celebration of the teachings of Je Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelugpa tradition, and it commemorates his parinirvana (the day of his death and transcendence to nirvana). The festival also honors his contributions to Tibetan Buddhism, especially in terms of monastic discipline and Buddhist philosophy.

The highlight of the festival is the rituals and ceremonies held at Gaden Monastery. Monks gather to recite prayers, perform sacred rituals, and offer prayers for the well-being of all beings. One of the most significant rituals is the lama dance (Cham dance), where monks perform traditional dances in elaborate costumes, embodying protective deities and Buddhist symbols. The dances are believed to bring blessings to the community and to ward off negative influences.

During the Gaden Nga Choe, it is also customary for people to make offerings of food, butter lamps, and other gifts to the monastery. Pilgrims from various regions of Tibet and Buddhists from around the world visit Gaden Monastery to participate in the event, attend the rituals, and seek spiritual merit.

In addition to the religious practices, there are also community celebrations, with traditional Tibetan music, songs, and festive meals shared among friends and family. The Gaden Nga Choe serves as both a religious observance and a time for the community to come together in celebration of the profound teachings and influence of Je Tsongkhapa.

Overall, Gaden Nga Choe is a spiritually uplifting and culturally rich festival that reflects the deep religious devotion, cultural heritage, and communal bonds of Tibetan Buddhist life.