A Celebration of Tibetan Culture, Community & Compassion
Saturday, September 12, 2026 | 11:30 AM | Redding, CT |Free of Charge | Family Friendly | All Are Welcome | No RSVP Required
Come join us for one of the most joyful, colorful, and spiritually uplifting events of the year — the 3rd Annual Tibetan Cultural Festival and Animal Blessing at the beautiful Do Ngak Kunphen Ling (DNKL) dharma center in Redding, Connecticut.
This wonderful family-friendly celebration brings together the Tibetan Buddhist community and the broader public in a spirit of openness, cultural appreciation, and compassion for all living beings. Whether you come for the culture, the community, the food, or simply the beauty of it all — you will leave with your heart full.
You do not have to be a Buddhist or a member of BFF to join us. This event is completely free. No RSVP needed — just show up.
WHAT TO EXPECT
This year’s festival runs from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and includes:
🎨 Art exhibition — Tibetan sacred and cultural art 🛍️ Artisan vendor booths — Tibetan crafts, handmade goods, and cultural treasures 🍜 Authentic Tibetan food — a rare and delicious treat 🎵 Live music and traditional Tibetan songs 💃 Tibetan circular dance (Dorje) — joyful, communal, and open to all 🪔 Tibetan sand mandala creation — NEW THIS YEAR — observe Tibetan monks creating this breathtaking and intricate sacred art form throughout the day 🎪 Children’s program — kite making, mask making, cultural activities 🏛️ Tibetan cultural performances and flag ceremony 🐾 Animal Blessing Ceremony — bring your beloved pets and animals of all kinds to receive blessings from Tibetan monks. Local rescues and farms also participate in this deeply moving community tradition.
This year’s festival also features a Tibetan cultural flag ceremony and appearances by local rescue organizations and farms bringing animals to receive the monks’ blessings — a uniquely beautiful tradition that never fails to move the heart.
ABOUT THE ANIMAL BLESSING
One of the most beloved and unique highlights of this festival is the Animal Blessing Ceremony, where Tibetan monks offer sacred blessings to animals of all kinds — dogs, cats, horses, goats, and other beloved companions. Local animal rescues and farms participate alongside families bringing their own pets. This ceremony reflects the Buddhist teaching of compassion for all sentient beings and is deeply meaningful for animal lovers of every background.
Feel free to bring your beloved animals to receive a blessing.
ABOUT DNKL
Do Ngak Kunphen Ling (DNKL) is a Tibetan Buddhist dharma center located on beautiful rural grounds at 30 Putnam Park Road in Redding, Connecticut. It is one of the most active and welcoming Tibetan Buddhist communities in New England and the home of this wonderful annual festival.
🔗 Learn more at: https://dnkldharma.org
ITINERARY
a. Getting There — Drive Independently.
b. Travel Time Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes from Hartford/Middletown | 46 minutes from the Park & Ride location. 📍 Address: Do Ngak Kunphen Ling (DNKL), 30 Putnam Park Rd, Redding, CT 06896
c. Arriving at DNKL — Before 11:30 AM We will meet at the festival entrance. The organizer will have brightly colored Tibetan prayer flags. We will wait until approximately 11:10 AM — please arrive on time. From this point, participants are free to explore together or independently.
d. Weather Note This is an outdoor event. In the case of severe weather or cancellation, please check this event page for updates approximately 2 hours before the event.
PRACTICAL DETAILS
📅 Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026 🕙 BFF Group Arrival: 11:30 AM 🕙 Full Festival Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM 📍 Location: DNKL, 30 Putnam Park Rd, Redding, CT 06896 💵 Cost: Free🐾 Animals Welcome for the Animal Blessing Ceremony 👨👩👧 Who Can Attend: Everyone — all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs welcome 📋 RSVP: Not required — just show up!