Mani Rimdu Festival 2025

A Grand Ceremony in the Khumbu Valley
The sacred Mani Rimdu Festival is the most renowned and grand ceremony in the Khumbu Region. Held to empower the people of Khumbu, it aims to destroy demons and drive evil forces from the valley. The Mani Rimdu Festival also plays a vital role in establishing peace and harmony throughout the Everest Region. This sacred religious ceremony takes place annually at Tengboche Monastery, typically between October and November, according to the Tibetan Lunar calendar. The dates are announced by Tengboche Rinpoche, and the ceremony begins on the full moon day.

Origins and Significance of Mani Rimdu
The name “Mani Rimdu” comes from “Mani,” which means jewels and is part of the mantra of Chenrezig. “Rilbu” or “Rilwu” refers to small red pills made from roasted barley flour. These pills are blessed by Rinpoche during the rituals and distributed on the first day of the public ceremony, known as Wong (empowerment). The festival is believed to have started at Rongbuk Monastery in Tibet, symbolizing the establishment of Buddhism in Tibet by Guru Rinpoche and the mythological events organized to destroy demons and evil forces through positive forces.

The Sand Mandala and Rituals
At the beginning of the festival, the Sand Mandala is drawn step by step. This symbolic design, made of colorful sand, includes defensive blades symbolizing Buddhist deities placed around it. The Mandala represents the palace of Garwang Thoze Chenpo (Lord of the Dance). The Bowl of Mani Rilbu (small red pills) is placed in the middle of the Mandala throughout the puja. Monks chant mantras (Om ah hung rhi and Om mani Padme hung) thousands of times before the public celebration.

The Three-Day Public Celebration
First-Day: Wong (The Empowerment) – The public ceremony begins on the day of the full moon. Villagers attend the event to receive Wang from Rinpoche, along with the sacred Rilwa (sacred pills) and Tseril (pills for long life).

Second-Day: Chham (The Dance) – On the second day, Monks wear colorful, elaborate dresses and masks to perform a series of dances. This is the most watched part of the festival, symbolizing victory over demons and their transformation into Dharma protectors.

Third-Day: Jinsak (Fire Puja) – The final day features a Fire Puja in the monastery yard, an offering to Agni (the god of fire) to allay all harm in the world. Negative forces are visualized as dissolving into grain and then placed into the fire with butter.

Brief Mani Rimdu Festival Trek Itinerary
Blossom Expeditions seamlessly combines two incredible experiences into a single journey—the Mani Rimdu Festival 2025 and Everest Panorama Trekking. The adventure begins with a breathtaking 30-minute mountain flight from Kathmandu or Manthali (Ramechhap) to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region Trek. The Mani Rimdu Festival Trekking trail takes you through some of the largest and most picturesque Sherpa villages, including Chaurikharka, Phakding, Monjo, and Namche Bazaar, before reaching the fabulous place Tengboche Monastery. Here, you will witness the sacred rituals of the Mani Rimdu Festival and soak in the awe-inspiring views of the Khumbu Himalayas, including Mt. Everest and its neighboring peaks. This trek offers a unique opportunity to experience Sherpa culture and traditions up close while enjoying breathtaking vistas of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Kangtega, Thamserku, Tawoche, and Khumbi Yula.

Experience the spiritual essence and natural beauty of the Khumbu Region with our Mani Rimdu Festival and Everest Panorama Trekking.

Trip Video