Legend of Balaam Festival

Although the love life of the goddess Balaam is very unfortunate, she is a kind and friendly protector, especially for women and children. The women in Lhasa are very sympathetic to her. On October 15th of the Tibetan calendar, the day when the goddess and Chizunzan face each other across the river is designated as the most solemn festival in Lhasa-Balaam Festival.

Balaam's general appearance is: fair skin, two arms on one side, three slender eyes showing kind eyes, and his mouth slightly open; The bun is towering, wearing a crown and earrings with gold rings; Wearing a green coat, scarlet robe and red boots, sitting on the lotus seat. Her right hand holds a white arrow with a pair of dice hanging on it, suggesting that she is related to the holy lake and divination; Holding a bowl full of jewels in his left hand. She can bring happiness to unfortunate women, beauty to ugly people, hope to pessimistic people and happiness to lovers. There is a saying in Tibet that women in Lhasa are smart and graceful because of the protection of the goddess Balaam.

Whenever the festival comes, women will come to Jokhang Temple to burn incense and kowtow, worship the goddess Balaam and pray for smooth sailing in love. At this time of the year, women in Lhasa will sing and parade in the city with the Balaam statue of Jokhang Temple, and on this day, men become particularly kind and respectful to women.