20,000 PRIESTS AT PRAYER AND PLAY.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 April 1924, Page 4

20,000 PRIESTS AT PRAYER AND PLAY.

(By an Englishman in Tibet). TIBET. On the third day of the first month of the Tibetan year, which begins, according to-the Western Calendar, on February lGtli, the Lamas from the three great monasteries of Sera, Drepung, and Ganden, and six other “smaller religious houses, flock into Lhasa for the purpose of holding a great New Year prayer festival, called the Monlain. The visiting Lamas sometimes number over twenty thousand, and they are ni < c.modated in monasteries situated in Lhasa City itself, any overflow being billeted on their resident population. The second day after their arrival two monk officials of high rank arc appointed for the purpose o! controlling the Irani as during the festival. These two priests, in addition to maintaining order among their tollow clerics, also assume the powers usually vested in the civil magistrates, who, for the period of the celebrations, cease to function. The whole of Lhasa City is thus under the control of the priests. The succeeding ten days are taken up with religious exercises, hut on the 15th. day of the first month a festival of lights takes place. All the monasteries, the Potala Palace, and the larger residences in the city are illuminated with tiny butter lamps, placed row upon row, and the effect is exceedingly beautiful. Every ’ person in Lhasa, Irani the highest rank to the lowest, places offerings of images made of barley-flour and butter, before the effigies of the gods, both in the public Ictnples and in the household holy of holies. During the illuminations the Dalai. Lanin, accompanied by the State T! blisters, makes a tour of the city, passing through streets lined by his adoring subjects. On his return to the Potnla Palace the populace give themselves up to feasting, and merry-mnlv-ing goes on to a late hour. The faunas finish their prayers on the twentieth day of the festival, after'

which they arc free to attend and take part in the sports which are held at this season. Wrestling, running, and sword play arc all indulged.in, as well as horseracing. the ponies taking part being owned by civil officials. In Tibet inn racing the ponies are not ridden, hut are driven along by relays of mounted men, each ol whom, riding at top speed, drives the racers for about a mile. After a few days given up to sports and more horse-racing, the assembled Lamas return to tins monasteries and the Monhitn festival is finished. During their visit the monks are fed at the expense ol the State and also ieccivc considerable cash presents trom rich Tobetinn and Mongolian traders and pilgrims.