Everything About Everest Mani Rimdu Festival 2023. Everest region is well known for trekking and breathtaking mountain vistas, yet it is also well known for the yearly Everest Mani Rimdu festival, one of the most intriguing High Himalayan Buddhist celebrations. At the monasteries of Tengboche, Thame, and Chiwong in Solukhumbu, Nepal, the Mani Rimdu Festival is celebrated. The three-day Mani Rimdu Festival is held at the Everest region’s monastery of Tengboche at a high altitude during the full moon in October or November. Each year, the monks of Tengboche Monastery, the most renowned monastery in the Everest region, perform a Buddhist Dance Drama. During the Mani Rimdu Festival, Sherpas and cultural admirers from all over the world visit the monastery to celebrate Buddhism and learn about the local way of life. The Mani Rimdu Festival Trek is a delightful trip where you may take in the masked dances while taking in the panoramic views of Mt. Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m), Nuptse (7855m), Ama Dablam (6812m), Kongde Himal (6200m), and Thamserku (6430m).
When will the Mani Rimdu festival celebrate in 2023?
The head lama in charge of the Tyangboche Monastery announces the dates, which are heavily influenced by the Tibetan lunar calendar. The Mani Rimdu is often conducted in Tengboche at the full moon of the ninth Tibetan month, which normally occurs in October or November. The 28th, 29th, and 30th of October in 2023 have been set out as the Mani Rimdu Festival dates.
Six Preparations comprise Mani Rimdu Festival:
1. Constructing the Sand Mandala
A sand mandala is built step by step. Complicated and symbolic designs are created using colored sand. It takes many days to construct a sand mandala. The Mandala is surrounded by protective blades that represent the gods. Above the center is positioned the bowl containing the spiritual medicine known as Mani Rilwu. The palace of Garwang Thoze Chenpo (Lord of the Dance) is represented by the mandala. The major idol of Mani Rimdu, the Buddha of Kindness, is created. The monks chant “OM AH HUNG RHI, OM MANI PADME HUMG” hundreds of times throughout the course of the weeks leading up to the open celebration. They visualize compassion flowing into the Mandala and the Mani Rilwu tablets while they are in a state of meditation. Then, kindness spreads from the Mandala, benefitting everyone present at the Mani Rimdu celebration.
2. Wong: The Empowerment
The Wong is the first official day of the event. In accordance with the Tibetan lunar calendar, it is conducted on the full moon day of the ninth month. Everyone in attendance receives the holy Mani Rilwu (sacred or blessed pills) and Tshereel (pills for long life).
3. Chham: The Dances
On the second day of Mani Rimdu, the dances are performed. Symbolic demons are defeated, chased away, or changed into Dharma Protectors. Positive forces fight those disorders through the dances, which is the dance’s theme. The dances communicate Buddhist teaching on a variety of levels, from the most basic to the most abstract. The monks are said to transform into divine beings while dancing. Because the dances are regarded as being extremely sacred and not just for fun, they are only done at Mani Rimdu.
4. Ser-Kyem
The most common use of Ser-Kyem is offering tea to Mahakala and other Dharma guardians. It is made up of two pieces: a smaller elevated offering bowl and a bigger raised dish-shaped bowl. When the offering is made, the smaller dish is put upright in the bigger dish. The smaller offering bowl is positioned within the bigger bowl, upside down, while not in use. When in use, the bigger dish can also hold the food offerings. In several rituals, this offering of spiritual nectar is made. Ngag-pa, or Tantric magicians, are represented by the six dancers.
They offer miniature tormas and wine in silver containers to the Earth deities Shi-Dak, Yidam, Khandro, and the Lama. The Lama (spiritual leader), Yidam (personal deity), and Khandro (wisdom dakini) are places where a Buddhist consultant finds “refuge.” Making sacrifices to these entities in order to enlist their assistance in carrying out the moral deeds that lead to Buddhahood is a fundamental aspect of Tibetan Buddhist practice.
5. Jinsak: The Fire Puja
The day following the dances, the Fire Puja is held in the yard. The purpose of the Fire Puja is to appease all damage in the world by presenting Agni, the god of fire, and the Gods of the mandala. The damage is pictured as burning butter and melting into the grain. After that, the temple’s sand mandala is destroyed, and the sand is offered to the snake gods (Nagas).
6. Chhingpa
The following dance shows the Four Protecting Ghings safeguarding Buddhism from demonic attack. The dancers’ colorful, always smiling features are concealed by glistening paper masks. Cymbals are rhythmically beaten in time with the dancers’ jumps. The dancers intentionally startle the young audience members by charging at them.
The Dakini dance is cheerfully performed. Five young priests perform slow-motion dancing moves in perfect sync with the slow beat and gentle chime of bells and drums. The dancers, who don’t wear masks, represent Padmasambhava’s female spiritual lovers. They are thought to originate from Shangdok Palri, his pristine homeland, where they still reside. They announce Guru Rinpochhe’s impending arrival at the Mani Rimdu. The two female Ghing hold drums, while the two male Ghing carries cymbals. The men symbolize skill, and the females for wisdom; these are the two sides of the path. Barley flour is used to make the torma, and colored butter is used for the decoration. By the time the ceremony is through, it represents both the enlightenment itself and the deity’s body. At the center of the temple, it sits in front of the mandala on its own shrine.
Manirimdu Festival Trek Itinerary
24 OCT 2023 | Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel
25 OCT 2023 | Day 02: Fly to Lukla – (Altitude: 2840m) by Flight | Trek to Phakding – Altitude: 2610m | Trek: 3/4 hours
26 OCT 2023 | Day 03: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar – Altitude: 3440m | Trek: 5/6 hours
27 OCT 2023 | Day 04: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche – Altitude: 3860m | Trek: 4/5 hours
28 OCT 2023 | Day 05: Mani Rimdu festival at Tengboche Monastery. Wang – blessing ceremony
29 OCT 2023 | Day 06: Second day at the festival. Witness the Cham – mask dance
30 OCT 2023 | Day 07: Third day at the festival. Witness the Jinsak – closing ceremony
31 OCT 2023 | Day 08: Trek to Namche – Altitude: 3440m | 5/6 hours
01 Nov 2019 | Day 09: Trek to Lukla – Altitude: 2840/ 9372 ft | Trek: 4/5 hrs
02 Nov 2019 | Day 10: Fly Back to Kathmandu
03 Nov 2019 | Day 11: Spare Day in Kathmandu
04 Nov 2019 | Day 12: Departure Transfer