Butter Lamp Festival of Tibetan Buddhism: Pray for Good Luck with Lamps
Butter Lamp Festival, also called “Geden Angchu” in Tibetan, is an important religious festival of Tibetan Buddhism. Its main purpose is to commemorate Master Tsongkhapa, founder of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It is celebrated on October 25 of the Tibetan lunar calendar each year.
On the day of the festival, monasteries of the Gelug Sect or believers will light pristine butter lamps to express admiration and commemoration for Master Tsongkhapa and pray for happiness and good health.
The Butter Lamp Festival is not only a religious festival but also an important part of Tibetan traditional culture. It shows people’s reverence for nature and love of life.