Lama Tsongkhapa Day — known in Tibetan as Ganden Ngamchö (དགའ་ལྡན་ལྔ་མཆོད།) — commemorates the parinirvana of Je Tsongkhapa Lobsang Drakpa (1357–1419), the great master and founder of the Gelug tradition. It is observed each year on the 25th day of the tenth Tibetan lunar month.
In the Fire Horse Year (2153) this falls on Thursday, 3 December 2026.
Who Was Je Tsongkhapa?
Je Tsongkhapa was among the most influential teachers in the history of Tibetan Buddhism — a peerless scholar, meditator, and reformer who restored the purity of monastic discipline and united the complete path of Sutra and Tantra. It was from his lineage of tantric teachings that the Segyu tradition itself arose, transmitted through his direct disciple Je Sherab Sengge.
The Festival of Lights
Ganden Ngamchö is also known as the Festival of Lights. As dusk falls on the 25th day, monasteries, temples, and homes throughout the Tibetan Buddhist world glow with countless butter lamps and candles — offered in remembrance of Je Tsongkhapa, and as a symbol of the light of his teachings dispelling the darkness of ignorance.
How to Take Part
On this day we offer lamps, recite the Migtsema (the praise to Je Tsongkhapa), and gather to make offerings and dedicate merit. You are welcome to join us — offer a butter lamp, request prayers, or sponsor a puja so that our monks may dedicate the merit on your behalf and for the flourishing of the precious teachings.