On May 12, the sacred month of “Urs Sar” begins for Buddhists

This year, the month sacred to Buddhists will last from May 12 to June 10. It is also called the “month of the hundred-thousandfold increase,” because the results of virtuous and non-virtuous deeds in this month are multiplied a hundred thousand times. Traditionally, during this month believers abstain from eating meat, fish and eggs, as well as alcoholic beverages. If for some reason it is not possible to give up animal-based foods for the entire period, one may abstain for the first 15 days, or for a single day — the 15th lunar day. The main events will take place on May 26. A festive prayer service in honor of Buddha Shakyamuni will be held at the Central Khurul. According to astrological tradition, on this day the Buddha performed three great deeds: he was born, attained Enlightenment, and passed into parinirvana. These deeds took place at the hour of the hare on the 15th lunar day of the 4th month, which in 2021 corresponds to May 26, and are considered the most important events. According to the senior administrator of the Central Khurul, Yonten Gelung, during this month it would be good for all believers to perform good deeds, accumulate buyan, make prostrations and circumambulations around the khuruls and stupas. “All these actions allow one not only to accumulate virtuous merit, but also to lay down karmic imprints for future lives,” Yonten Gelung added.