Each year, a religious spectacle unfolds in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet that is reminiscent of a scene straight out of an epic movie. The Monlam Festival, also known as The Great Prayer Festival, is one of the most significant festival in the Tibetan Buddhist calendar. This grand event dates back to the 15th century, to the time of Tsongkhapa, the great philosopher and founder of the Gelug tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. It has been held annually ever since from the 4th day of the 1st Tibetan Lunar month.
But the Monlam Festival is not merely an event. Imagine thousands of devoted worshippers traveling from remote corners of the land, braving harsh terrain and unforgiving weather to be part of this sacred gathering. Some undertake the journey through weeks of prostrations, inching their way forward in a profound act of devotion and faith. Then imagine 15 days of religious festivities with thousands of butter lamps flickering softly in the cold, their golden glow illuminating the sacred spaces. And everywhere you look, Tibetan prayer flags are offered with deep reverence, thrown toward the monks in hopes of blessings. Monlam is a testament to a deep tradition of faith as well as to unity of the Tibetan Buddhist community.
This year’s Monlam festival will last from February 28 to March 14. For 15 days, monks from different Buddhist monasteries will gather to chant and pray amid a spectacle of colorful ceremonies, cultural performances, scholarly events, and a festive atmosphere attracting devotees from across Tibet. Among the grand highlights is the unfurling of a giant Thangka (sacred Buddhist painting) measuring hundreds of square meters on a hillside for public viewing and worship (above photo).
