Buddha Exhibition Festival
Every year, on the 14th to 16th day of the fifth Tibetan lunar month, Shigatse comes alive with the grand Tashilunpo Monastery Festival, lovingly called the Buddha Exhibition Festival. Falling between late June and early July, it stands as one of Tibet’s most heartfelt and cherished religious gatherings, beloved by locals and travelers from every corner of the world.
The iconic Buddha exhibition stand was first built to honor Sakyamuni’s birth, enlightenment and nirvana. With years passing, it has grown into a timeless landmark, quietly resting on the monastery’s hillside.
Each festival morning fills the air with sacred chants as countless lamas gather for rituals. Soon after, 200 robed lamas lead a drum-beating parade, carrying magnificent giant thangkas to the stand. When the vast embroidered Buddha painting unfolds slowly, drum melodies linger, crowds cheer, and pilgrims bow with sincere devotion.
Over three days, three sacred Buddha thangkas are unveiled in order of past, present and future, shown daily from 10 am to noon. These precious ancient artworks are well-preserved in the monastery, letting every visitor feel Tibet’s pure faith, warm local kindness and timeless spiritual charm.
