Prayer Flags: A Resource Guide

Prayer Flages, photo by Marc Sakamoto. Unique to the Himalayas, prayer flags are pieces of cloth stamped with mantras and images, either in a pattern of five colors (blue, white, red, green and yellow) horizontally on a long string, or a single narrow vertical flag on a pole. Prayer flags are flown on auspicious days for different reasons including: the removal of obstacles or illness; protection against harm when traveling; and on important occasions such as the third day of the Tibetan New Year, marriages and other official functions.

"Prayer Flags and Auspicious Days," by Lama Zopa Rinpoche

Please refer to the Liberation Calendar for days appropriate for hanging prayer flags as obstacles can be experienced when hung on the wrong days of the Tibetan calendar.

The FPMT Foundation Store has prayer flags available for purchase.