Tibetan ‘Bathing Festival’ sees people bathe in natural waters, socialise, seek romantic partners
People flock to water celebration in search of healing, good fortune and possible romance; event has an almost 800-year history
A traditional Tibetan Bathing Festival sees men and women of all ages bathing together in natural waters in a joyous tradition during which young people can meet potential romantic partners.
Every year in early July of the Tibetan calendar, the festival, or Bathing Week, takes place across Tibet, from urban areas to rural villages.
The traditional event, held along the banks of the Lhasa River, has a history stretching back between 700 and 800 years.
It lasts for about a week, typically from the 6th to the 12th day of the seventh month in the Tibetan calendar.
During this period, people go to the riverside each day. On the first day, they bathe thoroughly; on the following days, they may simply rinse their hair and feet, before taking another full and careful bath on the seventh day.