Dangjiren Horse Racing Festival in Damxung County, Lhasa

Dangjiren Horse Racing Festival (当吉仁赛马会) is a traditional sporting and cultural event celebrated annually in Damxung County (当雄县), located in the Lhasa (拉萨) region of the Tibet Autonomous Region (西藏自治区). Recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage of China, this festival is an exciting blend of horse racing, archery, and traditional Tibetan festivities.

The festival is celebrated from the 10th of the 7th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar, lasting for three days, but the whole event can stretch up to one month. It combines competitive sports, cultural exchange, and community celebration, making it a key event in the Tibetan cultural calendar.

Key Information

• Heritage Number: VI-43

• Heritage Level: National

• Approval Date: June 7, 2008

• Heritage Category: Traditional Sports, Recreational Activities, and Acrobatics

• Protection Authority: Damxung County Cultural and Tourism Bureau (当雄县文化和旅游局)

• Region: Damxung County (当雄县), Lhasa (拉萨), Tibet Autonomous Region (西藏自治区)

Historical Origins of the Dangjiren Horse Racing Festival

Origins and Evolution

The Dangjiren Horse Racing Festival has a long history, dating back to the 17th century. During this time, Mongolian cavalry were stationed on the Damxung Grasslands (当雄草原), where they raised military horses and conducted military drills. The Mongol army held an annual horse inspection parade, which later evolved into the Dangjiren Horse Racing Festival. Over the years, the festival has transformed from a military exercise into a major cultural celebration, combining horse racing with archery and traditional Tibetan dances.

The Mongolian cavalry’s inspection ceremonies laid the groundwork for the modern Dangjiren Festival, which continues to showcase the strength and skills of the Tibetan people.

Features of the Dangjiren Horse Racing Festival

Event Flow

The festival officially begins on the 10th day of the 7th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar, lasting for three days, though the full event extends up to a month. During the first three days of the festival, herders and farmers from all across Tibet gather in Damxung (当雄), wearing their finest festival attire. The youth of the region eagerly participate, setting up colorfully decorated tents, dancing, singing, and engaging in couple chasing games. Traders also join the event, bringing a wide array of agricultural products, livestock, and household goods for trade.

After three days, based on Sera Monastery (色拉寺) traditions, dancing and entertainment activities are prohibited. The subsequent month is dedicated to political activities and commercial exchanges. During this period, tribal leaders and religious officials host lavish feasts and make important political announcements, such as the calculation of tribal taxes for the year.

Horse Racing Rules

Participants in the horse racing competition include tribal leaders’ horses, selected horses from each tribe, and any open participants. The racecourse is located at Zong Government (宗政府) grounds, with a 12-kilometer race taking place on the Damxung grasslands. Horses are categorized into five types: Xilin, Jiada, Duwa, Muqing, and Ruou, and they compete in both walks and gallops.

Riders, generally aged between 12 and 20 years, are tasked with completing the racecourse. Prizes are awarded to the top 20 finishers, with winners receiving traditional Tibetan rewards such as silver, Khadar (哈达) ceremonial scarves, and colorful silk ribbons.

Archery Rules

Archery participants are typically tribal leaders and noble members. Each archer shoots three arrows at a target positioned 100 meters away. Those who hit the target receive silver rewards and ceremonial Khadar scarves as prizes.

Other Competitions

In addition to the horse racing and archery, the festival also includes traditional events such as yak racing, Tibetan-style weightlifting, tug-of-war, stone lifting, and Tibetan costume displays. These activities offer a glimpse into the diverse sports and cultural practices of the Tibetan people.

Inheritance and Protection of the Dangjiren Horse Racing Festival

Cultural Value

The Dangjiren Horse Racing Festival has become an important platform for tourism and cultural exchange in Lhasa and Damxung. It plays a key role in promoting the rich cultural heritage of Tibet and preserving the unique traditions of Tibetan horse racing. The festival is seen as a cultural treasure that represents the Tibetan people’s resilience, community spirit, and love for the outdoors.

Preservation Challenges

As modernization and urbanization increase, the tradition of horse breeding has gradually declined, and fewer young people are willing to learn the skills required for horse training. This has led to concerns that the Dangjiren Horse Racing Festival could fade into history if preservation efforts are not strengthened.

Preservation Efforts

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China conducted inspections and adjustments for the National Intangible Cultural Heritage Projects in 2019. Since then, the Damxung County Cultural and Tourism Bureau (当雄县文化和旅游局) has been recognized as the heritage protection unit for the Dangjiren Horse Racing Festival.

In 2023, the National Intangible Cultural Heritage Representative Projects were re-evaluated, and Damxung County Cultural and Tourism Bureau (当雄县文化和旅游局) was once again recognized as the heritage protection authority for the festival.

Social Impact and Major Events

The Dangjiren Horse Racing Festival continues to have a significant impact on the local economy and cultural tourism in Lhasa and Damxung. The event attracts thousands of visitors each year, generating opportunities for trade, cultural exchange, and tourism development.

Major Events and Highlights

• 2018: The Dangjiren Horse Racing Festival kicked off in Damxung County, celebrating over 300 years of tradition.

• 2019: The annual Dangjiren Horse Racing Festival saw a record number of participants and spectators, highlighting the festival’s cultural significance.

• 2020: The Dangjiren Horse Racing Festival continued to showcase its cultural vibrancy, with competitions such as the 5-kilometer horse marathon taking place in Damxung County.

The Dangjiren Horse Racing Festival remains a vital part of Tibetan culture, offering a space for the community to celebrate their heritage, share traditions, and strengthen their bonds.