Monlam Festival in Amdo Tibet: A Complete Guide to the Great Prayer Festival

What is the Monlam Festival?

The Monlam Festival (Tibetan: སྨོན་ལམ།, “Great Prayer Festival”) is one of the most important events in Tibetan Buddhism, especially in Amdo Tibet (modern Qinghai Province). Celebrated during the first month of the Tibetan lunar calendar, this 15-day festival brings together monks and laypeople for prayers, rituals, and cultural performances dedicated to world peace, spiritual renewal, and the long life of Buddhist teachers.

History of Monlam Chenmo

Founded in 1409 by Je Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism.
Originated in Lhasa but holds special significance in Amdo, where Tsongkhapa was born (modern-day Huangzhong, Qinghai).
Aims to preserve Buddhist teachings and promote compassion.

Key Rituals & Traditions

1. Mass Prayers & Ceremonies

Thousands of monks from Labrang, Kumbum, and Rebkong Monasteries chant in unison.
Butter lamp offerings, incense burning, and sacred dances (Cham).

2. Butter Sculptures (Torma) & Sand Mandalas

Intricate colored butter sculptures of deities and symbols.
Sand mandalas—destroyed after completion to symbolize impermanence.

3. Monastic Debates (Chos Rtsod)

Philosophical debates on Buddhist logic and doctrine.
Held at Labrang Tashikyil and Kumbum Monasteries.

4. Giant Thangka Unveiling

Massive silk appliqué thangkas (Buddhist paintings) displayed on mountainsides.
Depicts Maitreya (Future Buddha) or Avalokiteshvara (Compassion Buddha).

5. Cham Dances (Masked Ritual Performances)

Monks in elaborate costumes perform sacred dances.
Tells stories of good vs. evil and spiritual liberation.

6. Pilgrimage & Public Participation

Kora (circumambulation) around monasteries.
Prostrations, prayer wheels, and offerings for merit.

7. Folk Celebrations & Horse Races

Nomadic traditions: Horse racing, archery, and feasting.
Wearing traditional Tibetan clothing (chubas).

Where is Monlam Celebrated in Amdo?

The festival is held at major Gelugpa monasteries, including:

Labrang Monastery (Xiahe, Gansu)
Kumbum Monastery (Huangzhong, Qinghai)
Rebkong Monastery (Tongren, Qinghai)

When is the Monlam Festival?

Dates follow the Tibetan lunar calendar (usually February/March).
Culminates on the 15th day with the Butter Lamp Festival (Metok Cholpa).

Why is Monlam Important?

Strengthens Tibetan Buddhist identity in Amdo.
Combines religious devotion with cultural celebration.
Draws pilgrims and tourists worldwide.

Monasteries	Lunar		Giant Thangka Display	Jampa Lingkor	Cham Dance
Yigar Monastery	1^st – 5^th		5^th
Lower Wutun Monastery	1^st – 10^th		8th	9^th	10^th
Upper Wutun Monastery	1^st – 8^th		5^th	6^th	7^th
Gartse Monastery	11^th – 15^th		13^th	15^th	13^th
ShelGon Monastery	4^th – 13^th June	10^th	11^th		12^th June
Dzongkar Monastery	11^th – 16^th		10^th	15^th	16^th
YerShung Monastery	7^th – 15^th April		12^th	13^th
Kasar Monastery	5^th – 8^th		5^th
Gomar Monastery	5^th – 11^th	8^th	9^th	10^th	11^th
Nyanthog Monastery	9^th -13^th	11^th	12^th	13^th
Bongya Monastery	4^th -9^th		5^th	9^th	7^th
Togya Bonkor Monastery			8^th
KyungGon Monastery	8^th – 13^th				12^th
Darzhin Monastery	2^nd – 5^th			5^th
Rongwo Gonchen	10^th – 16^th	13^th	14^th	15^th	16^th

Schedule for Monlam Festival in Gannan

Monasteries	Lunar	Free Animals	Giant Thangka Display	Jampa Lingkor	Cham Dance	Display Butter Sculpture
Labrang	8^th – 16^th	8^th	13^th	16^th	14^th	15^th
Hezuo	8^th – 16^th	8^th	13^th	16^th	14^th	15^th
Luchu	8^th – 16^th	8^th	13^th	16^th	14^th	15^th
Langmusi	8^th – 16^th	8^th	13^th	16^th	14^th	15^th

Schedule for Monlam Festival in Ngawa

Monasteries	Lunar	Free Animals	Giant Thangka Display	Jampa Lingkor	Cham Dance	Display Butter Sculpture
Gomang	3^rd – 15^th	8^th	13^th	16^th	14^th	15^th
Kirti	3^rd – 15^th	8^th	13^th	16^th	14^th	15^th
Nangzhik	3^rd – 15^th	8^th	13^th	16^th	14^th	15^th

Amdo Monlam Chenmo: The Illuminated Path of Compassion