Gods from heaven are believed to descend to the mortal world on this day. Incense is burnt on a large scale and people picnic in public parks.

This is held on the last day of the Great Prayer Festival. In order to celebrate Shakyamuni’s victory over non–Buddhist opponents, the Lord of Neu Dzong, a noted patron of Tsongkapa, lit numerous butter lamps in 1409. The festival has flourished since then.

The greatest religious festival in Tibet was instituted by Tsongkapa in 1409, the founder of the Gelukpa Sect. Monks from the Three Great Monasteries of Tibet assemble in Jokhang to pray to Shakyamuni’s image as if it were the living Buddha. Philosophical debates are held among candidates for the doctorate of Metaphysics. Pilgrims come from every corner of Tibet and donations are offered to monks.

Death Anniversary of Tsongkapa 

Tsongkapa, the great reformer of Tibetan Buddhism and founder of the Gelugpa Sect, died on this day in 1419. In memory of that day, every household burns countless butter lamps on roof tops and chants prayers in his honor. Late in the evening Tibetan dumplings are served for supper.

It is believed that on this day Buddha gave his first sermon to his disciples. People celebrate the festival by paying visits to holy mountains.

Bathing Week 

It is believed when the sacred planet Venus appears in the sky, the water in the river becomes pure and can cure diseases. During the planet's week-long appearance, all urban people in Lhasa go into the river to bathe.

Driving Off Evil Spirits 

On the eve of Tibetan New Year, the 29th day of the twelfth month, religious dances are performed in monasteries to drive off the evil spirits of the past year. At night, in every household, traditional means of driving off evil spirits are carried out by burning bundles of straw and throwing rubbish in the crossroads. The Year–End Dumpling is served for supper.

Tibetan New Year 

Tibetan New Year, known as Lhosar, is the greatest festival in Tibet. In ancient times, the blossoming of the peach trees was considered to be the harbinger of the new year. Since the systematization of the Tibetan calendar in 1027 AD, the first day of the first month became fixed as New Year's Day. On this day, families unite. An "auspicious dipper" is offered, and the people greet one another with the auspicious words "Tashi delek".

Gyantse Horse Race and Archery 

Horse racing and archery are generally popular in Tibet, and Gyantse enjoys the prestige of being the earliest in Tibetan history to start competitions in 1408. Contests in early times included horse races, archery, and shooting off the back of a galloping horse followed by a few days’ entertainment or picnicking. Presently, ball games, track and field events, folk songs, dances and barter trade are additions to the above.