The Tiji festival is a three-day ritual known as “The chasing of the Demons”. And it is centered on the Tiji myth. Tiji tells the story of a deity named Dorje Jono. Dorje Jono is the person who battles against his demon father to save the Kingdom of Mustang from destruction. The demon father wreaks havoc on Mustang by creating a water shortage which, in this extremely arid land, is the most precious life-sustaining resource. Dorje Jono eventually defeats the demon and banishes him from the land.
Tiji is a celebration and reaffirmation of this myth. Throughout the festival, the events and story of the myth are re-enacted. The festival is timed to coincide with the end of the dry season (late winter/spring) and ushers in the wetter monsoon season. Tiji comes from the words “ten che” meaning “the hope of Buddha Dharma prevailing in all worlds”. And it is a spring renewal festival that also celebrates the triumph of good over evil.