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The Great Prayer Festival: Origin, Ceremonies, and Butter Sculptures

The Great Prayer Festival in Tibet is a religious celebration of immense significance. Its origins can be traced back to 1409, when Tsongkpa, the founder of the Gelukpa sect, established the festival. The Three Great Monastery of Tibet, consisting of Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Ganden Monastery, come together at the revered Jokhang temple to pray to the sacred image of Shakyamuni, treating it as if it were the living Buddha.

According to legend, during the first month of the year, Buddha triumphed over and converted six holy men who adhered to false religions. This monumental event occurred at the boundary between Tibet and India. Initially, the monks from the Three Great Monastery of Tibet would gather in front of the statue of Shakyamuni, engaging in the recitation of holy scriptures and offering prayers for auspiciousness. Over time, the Prayer Festival became increasingly elaborate and ceremonious.

Each time the Dalai Lama approached his passing, the level of devotion and prayer would escalate, causing the duration of the festival to extend. Eventually, the Great Prayer Festival was officially established to commence on the fourth day of the first Tibetan lunar month. It would continue until the 24th, a day dedicated to driving away evil spirits, and the 25th, a day reserved for inviting and welcoming Amitabha Buddha.

The year 2011 marked the celebration’s occurrence on March 8th. During this momentous festival, lamas from the three largest monasteries congregate at the Jokhang temple to recite scriptures and partake in the Gexi degree examination. Pilgrims from all corners of Tibet embark on their journeys to attend this sacred event, offering donations to the monks and seeking spiritual blessings.

Vibrant Butter Sculptures

On the 15th day of the first lunar month, which commemorates Buddha’s triumph over the six holy men, the Living Buddhas and monks from the Three Great Monastery of Tibet orchestrate grand religious ceremonies. They fervently recite scriptures and offer prayers for the fulfilment of their deepest wishes, causing the Great Prayer Festival to reach its climactic peak. As the day transitions into night, the streets are adorned with vibrant butter sculptures. These sculptures depict various figures, flowers, birds, and animals, crafted with meticulous detail. Some of them soar to impressive heights, emanating an air of magnificence and awe.

Others possess delicate beauty, captivating onlookers with their intricate designs. Some sculptures even depict flying birds or are constructed with multiple layers, creating a stereoscopic effect. Alongside these mesmerizing sculptures, thousands of butter lamps illuminate the streets, casting a resplendent glow that embodies the people’s yearning for peace.

Enthusiastic citizens flock to the streets, eagerly admiring the lamp offerings. The farmers, too, join in the festivities, encircling the radiant lamps as they engage in joyful dancing and singing throughout the night. The atmosphere is filled with an overwhelming sense of unity, as people from all walks of life come together to celebrate their shared faith and devotion. The Great Prayer Festival serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring spiritual traditions that are deeply ingrained in Tibetan culture, captivating the hearts of all who partake in this enchanting event.

About the author

The Tibetan Travel website's creator, hailing from Lhasa, is a cultural enthusiast. They promote responsible tourism, connecting the world to Tibet's beauty and heritage. Awards recognize their contribution.

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