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Mani Rimdu
(Full moon of the 9th Tibetan month)
Mani Rimdu is the
biggest event of the year for the Sherpas of the Khumbu region. Sherpas
from the Khumbu region congregate at Thyangboche Gompa, the picturesque
monastery situated on a spur at 3,870 meters from where both Mt.
Everest and Ama Dablam can be seen. The three-day celebrations of Mani
Rimdu follow the ten days of non-stop prayer sessions addressed to the
patron deities seeking blessing from the god of all mankind. The deity
propitiated is Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. The
ceremony begins with the blowing of horns in the afternoon after which
the abbot of the monastery accompanied by other monks chant prayers.
The congregation is blessed and given holy water and auspicious pellets
for good luck and longevity. An orchestra of cymbals, horns, flutes,
and conch shells announces the start of the second day's celebrations.
Monks in colorful robes and huge glowering masks perform dances
symbolizing the destruction of evil. On the last day, tormas (figures
made of dough) are consigned to a sacred fire. This implies the end of
negative forces and the advent of a blessed new year.
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