Going Picnic or Guolinka Festival

“Going Picnic” (called as “Guolinka” in Lhasa)

Another festival is “Going Picnic” (called as “Guolinka” in Lhasa) through out Khamba region. During May and June of Tibetan calendar, when spring has come and flowers are blossoming, people go outdoors with family and friends. They take to grasslands and forests where flowers are prosperous and grass is green. They set up tents and lay Tibetan cushion, enjoy the beauty of nature as well as food and drinks. They sing, dance, shoot, compete on folk songs, make riddles, race horse, play games… As the Khamba people are gifted with drinking, trucks of beer are sending to the mountains during the season. They show their love for nature and optimistic spirit .The festival lasts for several days until everyone has enjoyed themselves fully.

In early July of Tibetan calendar, there are series of bathing activities which last about one week. According to the local folklore, from July 30 to Aug 6 of Tibetan calendar, “the sacred planet Venus” will show up in the sky. It is believed that when it appears in the sky, the water in the river becomes purest and can cure all kinds of diseases. Therefore all the people, men and women, seniors and juniors, go to the river for bathing and enjoy the fun of nature.

There are many religious festivals in Tibetan areas. In Khamba, a lot of monasteries hold great prayer ceremonies from Jan 1 to 15 of Tibetan calendar. The activities include chanting scriptures, enshrining Buddha, debating over scriptures as well as presenting delicate butter-oil handicrafts.