24th to 26th May 2025, celebrated in Lo Manthang, Upper Mustang
An annual three-day celebration called the Tiji Festival is held in Upper Mustang, a remote area of northern Nepal. The locals of Mustang celebrate this festival, which is a special fusion of religion, culture, and history. The fascinating spectacle that is the Tiji Festival, also known as “The Chasing of the Demons,” has drawn tourists from all over the world.
Every year in the month of May, the Tiji Festival is observed, and the date is chosen using the Tibetan lunar calendar. It honors the defeat of a demon named Ma Tam Ru Ta, who wreaked havoc and caused a drought in Mustang, by the Lord Buddha’s incarnation, Dorje Sonnu. The festival is also said to bring the people of Mustang luck, wealth, and happiness.
The monks from the Lo Manthang monastery perform a dance on “Tsa Chham,” the festival’s opening day, while decked out in vibrant costumes and masks. The conflict between the god Dorje Sonnu and the demon Ma Tam Ru Ta is portrayed in the dance. Traditional musical instruments are used to accompany the dance, evoking a spooky and mystical atmosphere.
The festival’s main event, known as “Nga Chham,” happens on the second day. An effigy of Ma Tam Ru Ta is burned on this day to commemorate Dorje Sonnu’s victory over the demon. The effigy, which is made of twigs, straw, and paper, symbolizes all the bad influences and challenges that the residents of Mustang deal with on a daily basis. It is thought that burning the effigy will purify the air and bring luck and prosperity to the area.
“Ra Chham” is the name of the festival’s third and last day. The Mustang residents as well as their livestock are blessed by the monks during a special ceremony on this day. They are said to be protected from all kinds of calamities and illnesses by the ceremony.
The Tiji Festival is a significant tourist destination in addition to being a religious and cultural event. People travel from all over the world to Mustang to take in this distinctive festival and the region’s rich culture and traditions. The festival gives the residents of Mustang a chance to share with the world their traditions and hospitality.
Amigo Treks and Expeditions is a leading travel company in Nepal that offers a variety of adventure packages to explore the beauty and culture of Nepal. One of their popular packages is the Upper Mustang Trek or Jeep Tour, which includes a visit to the Tiji Festival in Mustang.
The Upper Mustang region is a restricted area that requires a special permit to enter. However, with Amigo Treks and Expeditions, you can easily obtain the necessary permits and enjoy a memorable journey to this unique destination. The Upper Mustang Trek or Jeep Tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the Tiji Festival, which is one of the most fascinating and colorful festivals in Nepal.
The trek starts from Jomsom, a small town in the Annapurna region, and leads to Lo Manthang, the capital of Upper Mustang. The trek follows the ancient salt trade route that has been used for centuries by the people of Mustang to trade with Tibet. The route offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan range, including Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Nilgiri.
The highlight of the trip is the visit to the Tiji Festival, which takes place in Lo Manthang. A festival is a three-day event that involves dance, music, and ceremony. The monks from the Lo Manthang monastery perform a traditional dance called “Tsa Chham,” which portrays the battle between the deity Dorje Sonnu and the demon Ma Tam Ru Ta. The second day is marked by the burning of an effigy of Ma Tam Ru Ta, and on the third day, the monks perform a ceremony to bless the people of Mustang and their livestock.
The Upper Mustang Trek or Jeep Tour with Amigo Treks and Expedition is the perfect combination of adventure and culture. The company offers expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and reliable transportation to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Whether you choose to trek or take a jeep tour, you are guaranteed to have an unforgettable experience in the Upper Mustang and witness the unique Tiji Festival.
