‘Unveiling the Buddha’ at Labrang Monastery, 2018/02
Photos from a trip to Labrang Monastery in Xiahe, Gansu Province—grassland hiking, Tibetan culture, and the annual unveiling of the huge Buddha tapestry at Labrang Monastery.
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Our trip to Xiahe was timed to coincide with the once-a-year sight of one of Labrang Monastery’s huge thangka tapestries. While in the area we explored temples and towns, mingled with pilgrims as we watched ceremonies and performances, and hiked in the grasslands near Xiahe.
Photos below!
In the town, we did a clockwise kora following the monks and pilgrims.
A thangka in the Grand Meeting Hall of Labrang Monastery.
The prayer wheel corridor outside the monastery.
A crowd of pilgrims for the unveiling of the Buddha tapestry.
The monks with the special hats are carrying the thangka tapestry to be unveiled.
Unveiled on the hill, accompanied by pomp and ceremony. This year they showed the Shakayamuni thangka.
We were viewing from the other side of the river.
Pilgrims in ceremonial clothing.
A group shot with our guide at Deerlong Monastery.
Outside Deerlong Monastery.
Clear skies and bright light.
Cat and Dominque.
Taking a break outside the monastery.
The Labrang Monastery library.
Coming out of a temple after praying.
Even the kids were dressed up.
The Red Hats were in charge of security.
A tender moment.
Young monks on the way to their studies.
On the balcony at the temple.
In front of the temple.
A photo with some new friends.
One of the pilgrims in the crowds.
A procession of monks.
They're all on the way to a prayer ceremony.
These monks are on the way to a Cham dance performance.
Getting ready for the Cham dance.
Some little monks at White Cliff monastery.
Part of a prayer ceremony at White Cliff monastery.
We tasted some Tibetan food.
Hiking in the Sangke Grassland.
Hiking and exploring the grasslands.
After visiting Xiahe we headed on to hike a local danxia landform.
Up in the hills.
On the way back from the hike.