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Thangka Festival during Summer Prayer at Tsurpu Monastery
The Oldest Thangka Festival in Tibet

Exhibition of huge Thangka with Buddha image is held on 11th April of Tibetan calendar. On that day, believers from all over Tibet gather at the Tsurpu Monastery, 60 km away from west of Lhasa. With a solemn sound of trumpet, a huge Thangka was carried to the booth by the monks of Tsurpu Monastery. The 38m high and 35m wide embroidery with image of Padmasambhava or Sakyamuni is displayed in front of pilgrims for blessing. Actually, the Padmasambhava embroidery and Sakyamuni embroidery are displayed in turn every year. In addition, exhibition of Buddha image also provides a good opportunity for skillful craftsmen to show their professional craftsmanship.
 
During the "Saga Dawa Festival" from March 30th to April 15th of Tibetan calendar, not only the prayer ceremony, lasting one week, but also erecting prayer flag pole, dance with mask (Cham), unveiling Thangka with Buddha painting and other religious activities will be held in Tsurpu Monastery.

Located in the upstream of Chubu River in the northwest of Doilungdeqen County, about 60km away from the west of Lhasa Tibet, and at an altitude of 4,300 meters, Tsurpu Temple is the main temple of Karma Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism and boasts more than 800 years history. The world-renowned reincarnation system of Tibetan Buddhism was initiated in this monastery and popularized by other religious sects of Tibetan Buddhism.

Tsurpu Monastery has made a huge contribution to Tibetan Buddhism and Tibetan culture. The first living Buddha, Dusum Khyenpa, of the Karma Kagyu sect gave a letter about his reincarnation prediction to his pupil Zhuogundeqian and thus created the world famous reincarnation system.

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