Chotrul Düchen, (Eng.Miracle Manifestation Great Day; also known asChonga Choepa or the "Butter Lamp Festival"), is one of the fourTibetan Buddhistfestivals commemorating four events in the life of theBuddha.[1] Chotrul Düchen occurs on the first full moon (Bumgyur Dawa) of the fifteenth day afterLosar, the New Year in the lunarTibetan calendar. The preceding fifteen days are called theMiracle Month that celebrates miracles the Buddha displayed inSravasti for his disciples and guests so as to increase their devotion.[2] During Chötrul Düchen it is believed that the effects of both positive and negative actions are multiplied ten million times.
To commemorate the occasion, Tibetan Buddhists make lamps, traditionally ofyak butter but now usually of vegetableghee calledbutter lamps, in the shapes of flowers, trees, birds, and other auspicious symbols. They also create elaborate displays for the lamps in their homes and in public spaces, sometimes erecting structures as large as a building. All the lanterns are lit in celebration on the fifteenth day of the month.[3]
