Lhabab Duchen is a Buddhist festival celebrated in Bhutan marking one of four important events in the life of Buddha. It translates to 'Buddha's Descent from Heaven' and is traditionally observed on the 22nd day of the ninth month on the Tibetan lunar calendar. This holiday is a time for Buddhists in Bhutan to honour the moment Buddha returned to earth after spending three months in the heavenly realm teaching his deceased mother.
During Lhabab Duchen, devotees in Bhutan engage in various religious rituals and practices to mark this auspicious occasion. These activities typically include visits to revered temples or spiritual sites, meditating, making offerings, listening to sermons, and partaking in acts of charity. It is widely believed that performing these virtuous deeds on Lhabab Duchen multiplies their merit exponentially.
As one of the major Buddhist festivals in Bhutan, Lhabab Duchen carries a strong element of remembrance and respect towards Buddha and his teachings. It's an opportunity for followers to reflect on Buddha's life and teachings, and consider how they can apply these lessons in their daily lives. Additionally, Lhabab Duchen is a time of community and shared worship, with many Buddhists in Bhutan spending the day in the company of family and friends.