Annual Exorcism Dance Held at Labrang Monastery in China's Gansu Province

Annual Ritual Marks New Year at Labrang Monastery

On March 2, 2026, the renowned Labrang Monastery in Xiahe County, Gansu Province, China, was the site of its annual exorcism dance. Masked lamas performed the traditional ritual in a square at the monastery, a practice deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhist culture to usher in good luck and ward off malevolent spirits for the new year.

Part of the Grand Monlam Prayer Festival

The exorcism dance is a significant component of the larger Monlam Prayer Festival, also known as the Great Prayer Festival or Monlam Chenmo. This extensive festival is one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist celebrations of the year, typically held around the Tibetan New Year (Lunar New Year) and lasting for several days.

The Monlam Festival at Labrang Monastery includes a variety of religious activities and ceremonies, such as:

• The 'Sunning of the Buddha' or 'Thangka Buddha-Painting Exposure', where a giant tapestry depicting Buddha is unveiled on a hillside.
• Butter lamp festivals and intricate butter sculptures created by monks.
• Sutra chanting and debates.
• The Cham dance, which is the ritualistic masked dance itself.

These rituals are performed to commemorate the Buddha's enlightenment, accumulate spiritual merit, and contribute to the harmony of the world.

The Significance of the Cham Dance

During the exorcism dance, often referred to as the Cham dance, lamas don colorful costumes and elaborate masks, representing various deities and mythological figures. Accompanied by traditional musical instruments, their movements are believed to purify the environment and dispel negative influences, ensuring a prosperous and peaceful year ahead.

Labrang Monastery: A Hub of Tibetan Buddhism

Founded in 1709, Labrang Monastery is one of the six great monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Located in the Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, it serves as a vital center for Buddhist learning and practice outside the Tibet Autonomous Region. The monastery attracts thousands of pilgrims and visitors annually, drawn by its rich history, architectural splendor, and profound spiritual significance. It houses 18 halls, six institutes of learning, and nearly 60,000 sutras, making it a significant institution for the study of Tibetology.