Zul Khural

(Festival of the Lamps; from Mongolian zul—”lamp”—and khural —”worship”), a Lamaist temple holiday, established in memory of the Tibetan Buddhist reformer Tsong-kha-pa, who lived from the second half of the 14th to the 15th century. The festival is observed on the 25th of the first winter month of the lunar calendar (usually in November). It is conducted during the night. Its characteristic sign is the lighting by the clergy and laity of many lamps, which is regarded as a sacrifice to the highest deity of the pantheon. The service consists of a general prayer for well-being and happiness.