SAGA DAWA
Celebrated By: The Monpa Tribe
The fourth month as per lunar calendar is regarded as the
holiest period for the Buddhists. This month marks the birth of Lord
Buddha, his attainment of supreme enlightenment and his passing into the
state of nirvana. It normally falls in the month of May. During this
month, many Monpas, who are otherwise
very fond of meat, refrain from eating meat, egg, etc.
Rites & Rituals
A rite known as 'Nyung-ne' is performed in their respective village
temples to cleanse the worshippers of sin and to earn merit. The
participants are to observe fasting on alternate days. On the day of
fasting, they are not supposed to speak to each other, except saying
prayers. They cannot even drink water on that day.
Whenever such rite is organized, the arrangement for its performance like
the arrangement of food, tea to be served to the participants and required
ritual accessories are the responsibility of the village as a whole though
the Nyung-ne benefits. During this month, people visit temple and make
offerings to nuns and monks with the aim to earn merits. Monks are invited
to perform Pujas in their houses.
