Lungta Prayer Flags

Prayer flags are an integral part of Nepal's exotic image. They decorate mountain passes, bridges, temples and holy places, as well as ordinary houses. The flags have Buddhist sutras printed on them and it is believed that when the wind flutters the flags, prayers fly into the heavens.

The roots of this tradition go back to the Tibetan Bon religion. It preceded Buddhism in Tibet and passed on many of its rituals and symbols to it.

The colors of the flags are not random and symbolize the 5 elements of the universe: fire (red), water (blue), earth (yellow), wood (green) and iron (white, oddly enough). True, there are other interpretations of colors: blue - sky and space, white - air and wind, red - fire, green - water (probably stale), yellow - earth.

In addition to the prayers and mantras of the great Bodhisattvas, the flags also contain drawings. These can be images of Green and White Tara, Guru Rinpoche, Chepsum and other iconic figures. But the most common is the image of the wind horse - Lungta (whose name is often used to name the flags themselves). It symbolizes good luck and prosperity because Lungta carries the Chintamani crystal on his back, which can fulfill wishes. At the corners of the prayer flag they draw a garuda (fire element), a dragon (water), a snow lion (earth) and a tiger (air).

As you understand, in order for the flags to “work” and the horse of the wind to carry your prayers to heaven, you will need a lot of wind. That is why garlands of prayer flags are hung on mountain tops and windswept mountain passes. Due to the diligent fluttering of the wind and the burning of the sun, the flags gradually become unusable and then they are replaced. This usually happens on Tibetan New Year.

Naturally, such prayer flags can be found not only in Nepal, but also in other regions where Tibetan Buddhism is widespread - in Tibet itself, in China, and Northern India. And since Tibetan Buddhism (along with other exotic teachings) became popular in the West, its attributes have spread throughout the world. You can easily see how informals decorate their tent camp in Fox Bay in Crimea with Buddhist flags or decorate some disco.

Where to buy prayer flags?

The cost of such a pack in tourist areas usually ranges from one to two dollars. Outside of Thamel, I think they are even cheaper. If you are not going to Nepal yet, but need to buy flags now, look for them in online stores. There they cost 8-10 dollars per pack.