Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c12.s1.t5.5

v2.c12.s1.t5.5

Other monasteries of the sect have much in common with that in Lhasa, except slight differences in details of formalities and duration. As recorded in *Culture of Kumbum Monastery* (ie sku vbum dgon), the monastery's main hall and lama residence roof-walls are all dotted with Buddha butter-oil lamps. Seen from afar, the lit-up lamps look like a sparkling nightscape of a metropolis. It is indeed splendid and spectacular. Tens of thousands of lamps are a symbol for Buddha's light illuminating all things everywhere. Since this lighting takes place for five nights, it is also called "Lnga mchod chen mo" or Butter-oil Lamp Festival. During the festival, monasteries offer Buddhists with tea and vegetarian rice porridge as a rule.