Monlam
Monlam, also known as the Great Prayer Festival, is an important Tibetan Buddhist celebration that takes place annually in Lhasa, Tibet. It usually occurs during the first month of the Tibetan lunar calendar, coinciding with the New Year, or Losar. The festival is marked by large gatherings of monks and laypeople who engage in prayers, rituals, and the recitation of sacred texts.
During Monlam, various religious activities are held, including the display of large thangkas (Buddhist paintings) and the performance of traditional dances. The event emphasizes the importance of compassion and the aspiration for the well-being of all sentient beings, reflecting the core teachings of Buddhism. Monlam serves as a time for spiritual renewal and community bonding among participants.