The Mane Festival is the most exciting event in the world. Every year, the Nyinba community celebrates this festival that marks the end of the winter and the beginning of the spring.
Humla is a highly remote area in the western Himalayas. It is a gateway to the Kailash Mansarovar and is situated nearby Api and Saipal Himal. There are only two influential tribes inhabiting the region. They are the Tibetan tribe, such as Tamang, and Bhotia (Lama), living in the northern part of Humla, and the Khas tribe, such as Thakuri, Brahmin, and Dalit, who live in the south.
The Nyinbas is a group of people living in the different villages of the Nyinba valley with their distinctive culture and traditions. The Mane Festival is all about worshiping deities centered in the Nyinba community. Due to their isolation, the people never bothered about the outside world and had their way of life.
The Mane Festival – What Is It All About?
The Mane Festival is also about wearing unusual clothes, decorations, and ceremonies. For example, the Women wear unique hats made from colorful beads and textiles with a big pair of earrings. The Mane festival is celebrated in Humla every year. It is the most important festival in Humla.
The festival is celebrated every year on the full moon of January. It is a festival that marks the end of the winter season and the beginning of spring. The festival is a three-day affair that includes worshipping, processions, and dance performances. People of the area used to dance in their traditional attires. In addition, they used to sing songs and used to play traditional instruments such as drums.
There are some traditions during the Mane festival. It is a tradition to carry out a worshiped deity or Shaman and to invite relatives. People dress up in traditional costumes and decorations. The outfit is a part of the ritual and part of the festival.
The festival is celebrated for three days. On the first day, the ceremony begins with worshiping deities, replacing the prayer flag. It is because the Nyinbas did not allow to touch the prayer flag while lifted. At the same time, the ritual dance called Bagpa dance will perform by playing drums. After the ceremony, friends and families have dinner or get-togethers.
The second day is the primary day of the festival. There were different kinds of dances, such as Bagpa dance, Furka dance, Tilinge dance, Mahankal dance, and horse dance. Only the men will involve in this dance.
The third day is the last. On this last day, people will gather at the center of the village. People of all genders will participate in dual dancing with their colorful attire and decoration. The 3rd day is not more than entertainment and feast.
The Bhotias believe that their forefathers came down from heaven. So, the Bhotias are also celebrating this festival. But, the priest or Shaman announces the festival date. They believe that their ancestors came down from heaven as well. The Bhotias celebrate this festival by dancing, singing, and demonstrating their traditional dress and jewelry. People of all genders participate in this colorful festival.
To Sum Up
Nepal is famous for its rich culture, and people from all over the world visit to see the beautiful scenery and participate in various festivals. The Mane Festival Trek is last for seven days round trip. So, you can expand towards Limi Valley Trek, including Railing Gompa in the Nyinba valley.
The festival, known locally as ‘Mane festival,’ is a 3-days annual affair where folks gather to celebrate the festival. This festival takes place on the full moon of the Nepali month Magh and celebrates to mark the farewell of winter and welcome the spring season. At this festival, they also worship nature and celebrate with a lot of fun and excitement. The festival aims to bring together happiness and relaxation families and friends because Humla is a blend of nature and culture.
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