Welcome stepping into a world where light dances with faith, and tradition illuminates the night.

The Tsongkhapa Butter Lamp Festival, also known as Tsongkhapa Day, held on the 25th day of the 10th month in Tibetan Calendar (in solar calendar, celebrating on Dec.25th, 2024 and Dec.14th, 2025), is a mesmerizing celebration of spiritual devotion.

Picture countless butter lamps flickering in the darkness, casting a warm glow, each one crafted with love and reverence. Join us on a journey through this radiant festival - your gateway to a celebration of wisdom, light, and Tibetan culture.

What Is the Tsongkhapa Butter Lamp Festival?

In essence, the Tsongkhapa Butter Lamp Festival is a celebration of light - a symbol of wisdom and enlightenment. Rooted in Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, it commemorates the parinirvana (Buddhist enlightenment) of Master Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism.

Master Tsongkhapa, born into a Buddhist family in Huangzhong County, Qinghai, began his spiritual journey at 16, traveling to Tibet to study under renowned Buddhist masters. Guided by teachers from the Sakya and Kagyu traditions, he dedicated years to Buddhist practice, ultimately founding the Gelug School in the early 15th century.

Today, the festival has evolved into a cherished tradition. Every year, Tibetan monks and devotees light countless butter lamps in remembrance and gratitude for master Tsongkhapa’s teachings. Tibetan monasteries and temples come alive with flickering butter lamps. These butter lamps, crafted from yak butter with devotion, and serve as a deep spiritual offering - awakening the light of wisdom in the hearts of the faithful. 

Tibetan monks are lighting butter lamps on the roof of Jokhang Temple.

Why Is the Tsongkhapa Butter Lamp Festival Important to Tibetan Culture?

For Tibetan people, the festival is a sacred time when faith and community merge in a beautiful celebration of life. A few days before the festival, followers of Tibetan Buddhism begin preparing butter lamps, with each lama in Tibetan monasteries make over 30 lamps. 

Local communities come together to do the Kora in Tibet (pilgrimage circuit walk), pray, chant, and craft glowing butter lamps for the evening in memory of Tsongkhapa.

This annual event becomes a time for spiritual renewal and cultural revival, where individuals purify their spirit and reconnect with the deep rhythms of Tibetan life. It serves as a reminder of the timeless connection between tradition and faith, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose among Tibetans from all walks of life.

Butter lamps are lighted up at the windowsills.

How to Celebrate the Tsongkhapa Butter Lamp Festival?

To enjoy the festival firsthand, visiting a Gelugpa monastery or temple in Tibet is a must. Lhasa is the top destination for this vibrant celebration, with Jokhang Temple and Ganden Monastery standing out as two remarkable choices.

At Jokhang Temple, the festival comes alive with vibrant energy and bustling crowds. Starting at 8 p.m., thousands of pilgrims perform a kora around the temple. The air comes alive with the sound of monks blowing conch shells and ceremonial horns, accompanied by the soft murmur of prayers that echo along Barkhor Street.

When the night comes, Barkhor street is packed with people and butter lamps.

Thousands of butter lamps light up every corner of the city, in shrine room, by windows, or in front of doors. Crowds gather in front of the Jokhang Temple, where there is space, there is a butter lamp. The reflections of these lamps illuminate the pagodas, temples, and houses, turning the entire city into a dazzling display of light.

Especially, the twinkling butter lamps on the roof of Jokhang Temple are something you shouldn’t miss. From afar, Barkhor Street appears ablaze with light, offering an unforgettable sight.

If you prefer a quieter experience, Ganden Monastery offers a local and meditative experience. Here, you can join the monks in lighting butter lamps under the stars, enjoying a peaceful celebration away from the crowds.

You can also enjoy various kinds of Tibetan foods and drinks on this day. Tsampa Porridge, a traditional Tibetan dish made with roasted barley flour, tea leaves, and a pinch of salt. This simple yet delicious dish adds a flavorful touch to the celebration.

There is an interesting story about Tsampa porridge. It’s said that a little Lama once chanted sutra with a senior Lama at temple roof on Tsongkhapa Day. After a long time, he became so hungry and couldn’t help thinking of delicious food. Then he read the scripture into “butter lamp lighting on the top, Tsampa porridge boiling in the pot”.

Whether you’re exploring the lively Jokhang Temple or the serene Ganden Monastery, the Tsongkhapa Butter Lamp Festival promises an unforgettable journey into Tibetan spirituality.

5 Days Lhasa to Drak Yerpa Small Group Tour: Best Meditation Tour for Tibetan Buddhist Culture Enthusiasts

Tour Route: Lhasa - Drak Yerpa - Ganden - Lhasa

Price from USD599 p.p

This journey takes you through the sacred Jokhang Temple and Ganden Monastery, witness the glorious Tsongkhapa Butter Lamp Festival - a journey of a lifetime.

Tsongkhapa Butter Lamp Festival in Ganden Monastery.

How to Plan Your Unforgettable Tsongkhapa Butter Lamp Fesestival Tour?

Planning your journey to the Tsongkhapa Butter Lamp Festival is simpler than you might think. The festival Celebrated on the 25th day of the 10th month in the Tibetan calendar (in solar calendar, celebrating on Dec.25th, 2024 and Dec.14th, 2025). Our Tibetan travel experts are here to offer you information about the exact dates and the latest festival details.

To ensure a seamless experience, we recommend booking your tour at least one month in advance. As an international traveler, you’ll need a guided tour to visit Tibet - but don’t worry, we’ll handle it all. From securing your free Tibet Travel Permit to arranging every detail, we ensure you can focus on the enchanting glow of the festival itself.

A sample of Tibet Travel Permit.

Once you arrive in Lhasa, the true magic begins. You’ll be captivated by the sacred atmosphere and spiritual energy at Barkhor Street, Jokhang Temple, and Ganden Monastery. Picture yourself strolling through these places, and the warm, flickering glow of thousands of butter lamps illuminates the scene, surrounding you with an otherworldly sense of serenity and reverence.

Here, you’ll have the chance to light your own lamp, forging a deep connection to the spiritual rhythm of the festival. This is more than a celebration - it’s an invitation to experience Tibet at its most sacred and awe-inspiring.

Conclusion

The Tsongkhapa Butter Lamp Festival is not just a celebration - it’s an invitation to experience the profound beauty of Tibetan devotion and culture. As the lamps glow, prayers rise, the festival welcomes a year of peace, wisdom, and spiritual illumination. Immerse yourself in this spiritual journey - book your Tibetan Festival Tour or Tibetan Meditation Trip today and join us for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of light, faith, and community.