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- Everest Mani Rimdu Festival...
Everest Mani Rimdu Festival Trek
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The festival of Mani Rimdu is a three-day affair, taking place straight after October's full moon. Sherpas and travelers alike flock to the scene to be entertained and educated about the fundamentals of Buddhism as practiced by the Sherpas in Nepal. The dances emanate from Tibet's Rongbuk Monastery on the northern side of Mount Everest, and depict the triumph of Buddhism over the earlier 'Bon religion'. The preparations of the festival are The Sand Mandala, The Empowerment, The Fire Puja and Mask Dance by monks. Hundreds of Sherpas from all over Khumbu attend the performance, as it is an important social occasion as well as an entertaining spectacle. Thus Mani Rimdu is a re-creation of legendary events; the establishment of Buddhism in Tibet by the great saint Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). Through the dances, symbolic demons are conquered, dispelled, or converted to Dharma Protectors, as positive forces clash with those of chaos. The dances convey Buddhist teaching on many levels from the simplest to the most profound.
Mani Rimdu, a sacred ceremony concluding in a public festival lasting for three days is a point of attraction for tourists all over the world. The festival falls in autumn, the best season to trek in the pristine mountains and Himalayas of Nepal. So, one can enjoy and experience Mani Rimdu along with the trek package in Nepal. Mani Rimdu is an opportunity for Sherpas and Tibetans to assemble and celebrate together with the Lamas.
Mani Rimdu is celebrated after the full moon of October, November, and December in Tengboche, Chiwong and Thame monasteries. Phakpa Chenrezig, the god of compassion is worshipped during Mani Rimdu and prayers that are believed to benefit everyone are chanted. The Phakpa Chenrezig’s blessings are believed to bring peace and good fortune to all people.
After the sanctification of the monastery, the monks perform the special mask dance at the place. This elaborate and meaningful dance played for three full days is the main show of the festival. It attracts a huge crowd. The dance symbolizes the restoration of the set up of Buddhism in Tibet and depicts the victory of Buddhism over the ancient Bon religion. The dance starts with a monk, playing master of ceremonies, dramatically pushing the audience back to clear an area around the courtyard of the monastery for the dancers. Heralds and incense bearers appear in the monastery entrance and slowly walk down the steps in a single file, followed by musicians, some blowing bugles and clarions, while others beating drums and clash cymbals. Clapping and cheering by spectators are considered unnecessary and inappropriate, so the audience watches in silence.
The first dance begins with eight dancers in vibrant costumes sweeping down into the courtyard. They move in clockwise circles around the altar making offerings of food and drink to the Buddhist gods. The shrieking of horns and loud drumming precedes the much-anticipated dance of Padmasambhava, who is considered to be the second Buddha in Tibet. At last, Padmasambhaya slowly emerges from the monastery. In his right hand, he holds a Vajra (thunderbolt of the gods), while in his left hand he wields a sacred dagger to be used in fighting off the demons. This dance is symbolic of the defeat of the evil spirits of the Bon religion by Buddhism. The Dance of the Celestial Drums, which follows, is a celebration of this victory.
The remaining dances of the day depict various aspects of life, many with a humorous twist to them. As the Mani Rimdu day draws to a close, rolls of parchment with ritual prayers written on them are burnt, to the accompaniment of chanted prayers. Everyone can rest, assured that goodness and peace will reign once more – all evil demons have been banished.
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Private Trip Cost:
US$ 1820 per person
Single room suppliment US$ 55
Cost includes:
- 01. All meals and standard accommodation in lodge during the trek
- 02. Service of trek guide and Sherpa assistant for bigger group above 6 persons
- 03. Porters to carry personal baggage (each 15 kg.)
- 04. Accident insurance for staffs and porters
- 05. 3 day at Tengboche for Mani Rimdu festival
- 06. Flight Kathmandu/Lukla/Kathmandu
- 07. National park entrance permit and trekking permit (TIMS)
- 08. Arrival and departure transfers.
- 09. Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu using 2-star category on BB as per program
Cost Excludes:
- 01. Personal clothing and sleeping bag
- 02. Personal accident and health insurance
- 03. Emergency evacuation and medical expense
- 04. Alcoholic and bottled beverage, mineral water, laundry, and tips
- 05. Any other services and expenses that are not specifically mentioned.
- 06. Expenses due to flight delay, sickness other contingencies
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