Mani Rimdu is a 19-day celebration, to honor Guru Rinpoche Padmasambhava’s establishment of Buddhism in Nepal. The festival is celebrated at the monasteries of Tengboche, Thame, and Chiwong in Nepal’s Khumbu region. It is the most important and sacred ceremony for the Sherpa people.
Mani Rimdu is held in the ninth Tibetan month, which falls in October or November and is full moon time. Mani signifies “part of the chant of Chenrezig,” and Rimdu means the small red pills that are blessed during the festival. The red pills are repeatedly blessed before being distributed to everyone in attendance.
It starts with a detailed depiction of the mandala diagram made with colored sand. The festival’s main first day is devoted to prayer, while its second day features vibrant lama dancing. During the ritualistic “Mask dance”, the monks wear brocade costumes, traditional attire, and painted masks. Demons are quelled, and the virtuous receive rewards.
The last day is devoted to some humorous dances and chanting of prayers. The performance is attended by hundreds of locals and visitors from abroad.
The Mani Rimdu event at Tengboche will take place this year on November 8, 9, and 10. Be a part of Glorious Himalaya Trekking to celebrate the Mane Rimdu at Tengboche. A trip to Tengboche Monastery rewards you to observe the genuine and ideal Sherpa culture and the magnificent Himalayas.
Here are the dates of the Mani Rimdu festival for the coming years in the Everest region.
| Year | Tengboche | Thame |
| 2023 | October 28/29/30 | May 30 / 31 and June 1 |
| 2024 | November 15/16/17 | May 18/19/20 |
| 2025 | November 5/6/7 | June 5/6/7 |
| 2026 | October 26/27/28 | May 26/27/28 |
| 2027 | November 14/15/16 | June 14/15/16 |
