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Trekking in Nepal >> Everest Region Trekking >> Mani Rimdu Festival Trek - 13 Days
Sherpas belong to the Nying-Mapa sect of Tibetan Buddhist which is
self an outgrowth of the Manayana tradition Guru Rimpoche (Padma-Sambhawa
an Indian yogi) is regarded as the founder of this old sect and spirtual
leader. Legendarily born of a lotus in the middle of a lake, it is to
Guru Rimpoche that the Prayers and maniwall inscriptions are address
as ""OM MANI PADME HUM'', Hail to the jewel of the lotus. Religious
book recount that Guru Rimpoche was a powerful Magician and sorcerer.
Sherpas celebrate many ceremonies in the region, including marriage
ceremonies, Funerals, manning of a child, driving out evilspirits, obtaining
Sonam (Merit) and other offerings to be made in the name of the local
gods. Mani-Rimdu Festival
Mani Rimdu, a very important festival to the Sherpas, falls on the full
moon day of Tibetan ninenth month (October/November/December). The three
day celebrations of Mani Rimdu follow the ten-day non-stop prayer sessions
addressed to the parton deities - seeking " blessing for the good of
all mainkind". The portagoniest of all is Guru Rimpoche, the founder
of Vajrayan Buddism in Tibet. Masked Lamas of Khumbu region perform
various religious rituals amidts dancing and singing.
The first celebration of Mani-Rimdu at Monastery of Tyangboche(Everest
region) seems to have taken place some time in 1930. It originates from
Rongbukh Monastery in Tibet Mani-Rimdu is a prayer ceremony where the
Monks put on masks representing divine personages and perform ritual
dances.The spectators of devotion come from many village to gain Sonam
(merit) from the head Lama's blessing and making corn and grain contributions
to the Monk's community. Mani-Rimdu normally takes place every year
in the month of November (full moon, it can be changed depending upon
Tibetan Calender) and at-least for three days.This period coincides
with the cessation of work in the village at the end of harvesting.
Mani-Rimdu is the only big social event that draws together large crowds
from all villagers in the Khumbu region.
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