The Darma Festival

??The Darma Festival is a well-known festival in Gyangze, with a history of more than 500 years. Now one of the most popular folk festivals in Tibet, it has a long story. It is said that after the death of Palba Sangpo, Prince of Dharma of Gyangze of the Sagya Kingdom, his disciples, lamas and the public would hold sacrificial rites each year to his memory, which was later stopped due to social turmoil. In 1408, Raodain Gongsang, son of Palba Sangpo, took the position of Prince of Dharma of Gyangze, who restarted the sacrificial activities that were held from April 10 to 27 on the Tibetan calendar, in addition to entertainment, such as exhibitions of Tangka painting scrolls, religious _chammo dance,_ horse-racing and _Dagor Myigor_ (sword-playing of ancient knights). By 1447, when Zhazi Rabdain became Prince of Dharma of Gyangze, more entertaining activities had been added, such as shooting on horseback, Tibetan Opera, song and dance. Thus, the Darma Festival was born. Another story says that the festival originated in the celebration of the completion of the Palkor Monastery. Today, the Darma Festival starts with Buddha painting unfolding festival on April 15 on the Tibetan calendar as a prelude every year, and officially opens on April 18. The 19 townships in the Gyangze County gather to celebrate the festival, which also attracts people from everywhere. Today, the Darma Festival is not only a folk festival but an exchange with a theme of _promoting economy through cultural activities._ During the festival, besides traditional sport items such as shooting on horseback, there are other contemporary pastimes such as ball games and track events. Around the sports ground are tent shops where trade takes place, and tents of farmers and herdsmen who come from afar. During the festival, farmers will drive their horse carts to bring their families to the annual festival. Some are fond of races, some like to watch performances, while still others will set up stands to sell home-made sweet milk dregs and other products. But most people will stay in their own tents and enjoy themselves until nightfall. The Darma Festival usually lasts seven to 10 days.