Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Himalayas lies the tiny kingdom of Bhutan, known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unique customs. Moreover, one of Bhutanese culture’s most visually captivating and iconic aspects is the tradition of using sacred Bhutanese prayer flags.

Uniquely, these colourful flags are known as lungta in the local language. In addition, they are decorated with various symbols and prayers and are believed to bring peace, happiness, and good fortune to those who hang them. Whether fluttering in the wind outside a home or temple or strung up along mountain ridges and riverbanks, the prayer flags are a beautiful and meaningful sight that evokes the spiritual essence of Bhutan. Furthermore, the flags symbolise the union of wind and prayers, travelling together to spread spiritual blessings.

Moreover, as a traveller to the Kingdom of Bhutan, one quickly notices the different prayer flags in various shapes, colours, and sizes. Prayer flags are everywhere, from mountain passes, bridges, and monasteries to stupas, temples, mountain peaks, and homes.

Origins of Bhutanese Prayer Flags

Prayer flags have a long and ancient history in Bhutan, dating back over a thousand years. The tradition of hanging prayer flags is believed to have originated in Tibet and was later adopted in Bhutan as Buddhism spread across the region. The Bhutanese Prayer Flags are integral to Bhutanese Buddhist rituals and are a powerful means of invoking blessings, protection, and well-being.

Meaning and Significance

Bhutanese prayer flags are made of cotton and hung either vertically or horizontally. Moreover, the flags are typically printed with sacred mantras, prayers, and auspicious symbols.

The most common mantra on Bhutanese prayer flags is the “Om Mani Pae Mei Hum”. However, other mantras and prayers may also be printed on the flags, depending on the intended purpose and the person’s beliefs.

The five colours of prayer flags

Traditionally, prayer flags are printed in five colours. Hanging prayer flags is considered worthy and believed to accumulate positive karma.

Blue: Represents the sky and symbolises compassion and wisdom.

Red: Represents fire and symbolises power and blessings.

Green: Represents water and symbolises healing and balance.

Yellow: Represents the earth and symbolises stability and abundance.

White: Represents the air and symbolises purity and spirituality.

These colours are believed to carry the blessings and qualities of the elements. When the flags flutter in the wind, the prayers and mantras printed on them are said to be taken by the wind, spreading positive energy and blessings to all beings.

The coloured flags also represent the five wisdoms of Buddhism, the five directions, the five meditation Buddhas, and the five emotions. Faded flags are a good sign. They mean the wind has carried the prayers. The more faded the flag, the more blessings have been spread.

Prayer flags are inscribed with auspicious and sacred emblems, symbols, mantras, and sutras. In addition, the prayers are for long life, good fortune, health, wealth, strength, harmony, merit, compassion, and peace. As the wind moves prayer flags, even with the slightest breeze, the sacredness of the Bhutanese prayers and blessings become activated and are carried through the air in a spiritual vibration across the vicinity.

Types of prayer flags

Lungdhar 

As shown below, these flags are most commonly seen. They are square or rectangular flags hung horizontally or diagonally with a string. It is usually raised on wooden poles or strung on ropes. The flags are connected along the top edges. Furthermore, colourful Lungdhars are commonly found throughout Bhutan, from mountain passes to bridges around monasteries or stupas. 

Dachog

Dachog, locally known as Darshing, are the tall vertical flags attached to poles planted in the ground. You can often spot them clustered in groups near mountains, forests, trees, and bridges. 

Manidhar

Below are tall white prayer flags vertically attached to the poles. Accordingly, they are raised to remember the deceased after a person has died. It is believed that there are blessings from hoisting 108 (auspicious number) of Manidhar prayer flags. However, hoisting one flag is just as beneficial.

Lhadhar

Lhadhar is a large, tall, vertical flag. It usually has no text and contains red, yellow, and blue ribbons. Lhadhar is displayed in front of important places such as monasteries and palaces. Visitors must dress modestly when entering these places. It represents victory over evil forces and is also commonly inscribed with the four mythical animals: tiger, snow lion, dragon, and Garuda (celestial royal bird). 

Goendhar

Accordingly, some Bhutanese erect small white prayer flags on their rooftops. Flags are rectangular, with green, red, yellow, and blue ribbons fastened to the edges. In general, these flags are symbolic and believed to bring blessings of prosperity and harmony to those who display them.

Gyeltshen Tsemo (Banner of Victory)

These elegantly crafted flags are cylindrical and adorned with intricate mantras. They are also inscribed with Tashi Tagye (eight auspicious signs) and are used in rituals and religious processing, proclaiming victory over evil. Sometimes, they can also be seen at archery matches to declare victory afterwards.

Om Mani Pae Mey Hun

As seen in the image above, the banner flags are stunning. Furthermore, they feature ancient, well-known Buddhist mantras most commonly found in Temples and Monasteries throughout Bhutan. 

The prayer, ‘Om Mani Padme Hum,’ translated into English, says ‘Praise to the Jewel in the Lotus.’ Alternatively, taking each word’s meaning:

Om: The Sacred Syllable embodies pure body, speech, and mind

Mani: Jewel, altruistic intention for enlightenment, compassion, and love

Padme: Lotus, wisdom

Hum: Spirit of Enlightenment, the immovable, unfluctuating

Furthermore, prayer flags encourage compassion, peace, strength, and wisdom. Equally important, the prayers and mantras inscribed on them are carried away by the wind to deliver kindness and goodwill everywhere to benefit people.

The mantra does not have one specific meaning but a combination of values like compassion, ethics, patience, diligence, renunciation, and wisdom. For this reason, Bhutanese believe reciting the meditation mantra can cure pride, jealousy, ignorance, greed, and aggression. 

Blessings on the Wind: Bhutanese Prayer Flags are sacred, serving as a source of colour and vibrance in Bhutan and holding great religious and cultural importance.