Tsurphu Cham Dance Festival

Tsurphu Cham Dance Festival falls on the 10th day of the forth month in Tibetan Calendar. This cham dance festival is celebrated to commemorate the great Indian guru Padmasambawa who came to Tibet and devoted himself in promoting Buddhism. During Tsurphu Festival, you can also observe some other religious activities, like grand dharma assembly, Buddha exhibition, etc.

Tsurphu Cham Dance Festival Venues - Tsurphu Monastery

Situated at an elevation of 4,300 meters, Tsurphu Monastery is nestled in the upper reaches of the Tsurphu River, approximately 70 kilometers west of Lhasa. Founded by Dusum Khyenpa, the first Karmapa, this sacred site serves as the ancestral temple for the Karma Kagyu lineage, dedicated to preserving and propagating the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism. With a history spanning 800 years, Tsurphu Monastery stands as a venerable testament to the spiritual heritage and cultural legacy of Tibet.

Tsurphu Monastery is renowned for its annual Cham Dance Festival, a vibrant celebration of Tibetan culture and tradition. During this festival, monks and dancers perform sacred masked dances, embodying deities and celestial beings as a form of spiritual practice and artistic expression. The Cham Dance Festival offers a glimpse into the mystical world of Tibetan Buddhism, captivating spectators with its colorful costumes, intricate choreography, and profound symbolism.

Cham dance in Tsurphu Monastery is a kind of Tibetan art and performance. It has plots, characters, music and dances. However, Cham dance is different from Tibetan Opera and has greater significance in religion. Not only can it entertain the audience but also advocate Tibetan Buddhism. It’s a grand religious activity organized by the temple. As for famous Tibetan monasteries, they have their own Cham group and make uniform cham masks, dance costumes, ornamentations and musical instruments, etc. Usually those items are treasured very well in the temple. Cham dancers have to pass through several religious rituals before using them.

The Cham performances in Tibet adhere to strict rules, with leading roles typically portrayed by monks requiring performers to display flexibility and attentiveness. Participants are expected to fully embody their roles even before the performance commences, ensuring that their body movements, facial expressions, hand gestures, and dance steps exude elegance and fluidity. Once adorned in Cham costumes and masks, performers are required to embody the essence of the deities they represent, as any deviation from these standards is believed to risk invoking the ire of the deities and potential misfortune upon those involved. Beyond the captivating Cham dances, Tibetan culture also embraces the worship of Buddha and the reception of blessings at Tsurphu Monastery.

For enthusiasts of Tibetan Buddhism and Cham dance, partaking in the Tsurphu Cham Dance Festival presents a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the profound religious ambiance. Following a visit to Tsurphu Monastery, embarking on a trek from Tsurphu to Yampachen unveils awe-inspiring scenery along the route, promising an unforgettable experience amidst the natural beauty of the region.