Monlam Prayer Festival - Lhasa

Otherwise known as the Great Prayer Festival, Monlam is the largest religious event in Tibet. Since it's origin in 1409 (with the exception of the Cultural Revolution), tens of thousands gather in Lhasa at the Jokhang Temple to join and observe the Buddhist monks pray, chant and perform ancient religious rituals. Traditionally, the monk's pilgrimage begins from one of the three main monasteries (dually acting as Universities) of Drepung, Sera, and Ganden. Gathering in Tibet's most holy city, the festival goers will pray, dance, debate and offer elaborate culinary sacrifices also known as the Butter Lamp Festival.

Prayers for the spread of the Dharma, health for the holy Gurus, world peace and a fortifying rainy season are repeated throughout the festival.

Links

• Gallery: Monlam Prayer Festival - Lhasa
• Website: http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=19303&article=Monlam+Chenmo+(The+Great+Prayer+Festival)
• Website: http://snowliontours.wordpress.com/custom-tours-in-tibet/specialized-tours/tibetan-festival-calendar/