Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c12.s1.t5.2

v2.c12.s1.t5.2

On the 25th day of 10th month of Earth Pig year (1419) of seventh calendrical cycle in Tibetan calendar, Tsongkhapa (founder of Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism) entered nirvana at his Ganden Monastery. Then, various Gelug monasteries held condolence ceremonies for him. The day of his nirvana has been designated as a grand festival in commemoration since then. Various Gelug monasteries hold the festival on the above day, every year according to the Tibetan calendar. Especially, the festival in Lhasa, the holy city, is the grandest of all. Local ecclesiastic and secular followers actively participated in preparing for the festival. When it comes to the festival, all temples and families light up butter-oil lamps. With numerous sparkling lamps, it is as bright as daytime. Lamps are arranged like stars and holds everyone in awe.