Overview of the Songzong Horse Racing Festival
Located along the Sichuan-Tibet Highway in the eastern part of Bomi County, Nyingchi, Songzong hosts the Songzong Tashikyil Monastery, where a grand prayer ceremony and horse racing festival are held annually on the 15th and 16th days of the third Tibetan month. This festival, with its grand scale and rich history, combines religious ceremonies with cultural and sports activities, marking it as a traditional folk festival deeply ingrained in local customs.
Celebrations and Traditions
On the day of the horse racing festival, attendees dress in festive attire, bringing tents, fine wines, and delicacies. They travel by car to the racetrack and set up tents around the Songzong Tashikyil Monastery. As the monastery’s incense burner emits wisps of smoke and the sound of cymbals and horns fills the air, monks ceremonially welcome the “Jampa Buddha” (Maitreya Buddha) in a solemn and majestic procession. The community quickly joins in the ceremony, encircling the monastery with laughter and prayers in a display of faith and festivity.
Following the welcoming ceremony, the horse races commence. Riders, in light attire, confidently mount their steeds at the starting line, eagerly awaiting the starting signal. At the sound of the gunshot, they dash off, racing along the 2-kilometer track. Spectators eagerly watch, and the first to cross the finish line receives white hadas (ceremonial scarves) from the excited crowd as tokens of congratulations and admiration.
Subsequent to the races, equestrian performances showcase the riders’ skills. Dressed in special costumes, they demonstrate feats of agility and strength, such as picking up hadas from the ground while galloping at full speed, adding to the festival’s lively and auspicious atmosphere.
Additional Activities
The following day includes religious activities and dance performances. Performers from Songzong town’s 10 villages sing melodious folk songs and dance vigorously, celebrating their identity, community, and picturesque homeland with music and movement, creating a joyous world of song and dance.
Visiting Information
- Access: Songzong is 40 kilometers from the county town, accessible via road. Visitors can drive themselves or hire a car, with the cost for a round trip from the county town estimated between 120 to 150 yuan (for reference).
- Nearby Attractions: In addition to the festival, visitors can explore nearby attractions such as Garang Lake (Heavenly Lake), Gang Township Nature Reserve, and Yigong National Geological Park for a comprehensive cultural and natural experience in Bomi County.
The Songzong Horse Racing Festival stands as a vibrant testament to Tibet’s rich cultural heritage, offering visitors a unique insight into the fusion of religious devotion and communal joy in the heart of the Himalayas.
