Lhamo, literally, “sister goddess”, refers to Tibetan folk opera. The Tibetan Opera combines dancing, singing and chanting and songs. Its repertoire comes manly from three parts – folk dances; folk dialogues and songs; Buddhist rituals and arts.
Tibetan Lhamo has a history of over 600 years, back to in the 14th century when it was founded by Thang Tong Gyalpo, a Lama of Kagyu sect and a bridge builder. He aspired to build bridges over the rivers in the Tibetan Plateau for the benefit of the all.
He recruited 7 beautiful girls who were good at singing and dancing and organized a troupe for the performances to raises the funds for the bridge construction. These performances resulted in the making of the original Tibetan Opera, popularly known as “Lhamo” – the 7 beautiful girls.
Tibetan Folk Opera was greatly developed in the 17th century thanks to the support by the 5th Dalai Lama. It gradually formed a primary set dominated by singing and coupled with reciting, dancing and acting, incorporated into folk singing and dancing and routine life performances. On May 20, 2006, Lhamo ( Tibetan Opera ) was listed as China’s first group of National Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Plan your Lhasa tour, don’t miss the chance to watch Lhamo, the Tibetan Folk Opera!
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