Sacrificial Ceremony to Meili Snow Mountain in Deqin County, Diqing

The Meili Sacred Mountain Rituals represent one of the most profound living spiritual traditions in Tibetan culture. Rooted in ancient beliefs and continuously practiced today, these rituals reflect a deep reverence for nature, mountains, and the spiritual world. Centered on Kawagarbo (Meili Snow Mountain), a sacred peak that remains unclimbed, the ceremonies combine pilgrimage, prayer, and ecological ethics. For international travelers, participating in or observing these rituals offers a rare opportunity to understand Tibetan cosmology, community life, and intangible cultural heritage in an authentic Himalayan setting.

Historical Origins

Bon Religion Period
The origins of the Meili Sacred Mountain worship can be traced back to the ancient Bon religion, which emphasized nature worship and animistic beliefs. During this period, the custom of mountain circumambulation (also known as pilgrimage or “kora”) gradually emerged as a way to communicate with and honor mountain deities.

Tibetan Buddhism Period
With the rise and spread of Tibetan Buddhism, the practice of mountain pilgrimage was further enriched. Buddhist doctrines, mantras, and ritual systems were integrated into existing traditions, giving the pilgrimage deeper spiritual meaning and a more structured ceremonial form.

Ritual Practices

Public Ceremonies
Public rituals are presided over by Buddhist monks or local ritual specialists known as “Achu”. These ceremonies are held in communal spaces such as mountain summits, monastery grounds, or village assembly houses. Key elements include burning incense (sang offering), hoisting prayer flags (Lungta), and chanting sacred scriptures.

Household Rituals
At the family level, Tibetan households typically set up a sang altar on their rooftops. Every morning, family members perform a smoke offering to pray for peace, health, and prosperity, reflecting the integration of religious practice into daily life.

Mountain Pilgrimage (Kora)
Pilgrims circumambulate the sacred mountain by following a counterclockwise route, in accordance with Bon traditions unique to Meili. Along the way, they hang prayer flags, stack mani stones engraved with mantras, and engage in meditation and prayer as part of their spiritual journey.

Ritual Cycle

The ritual calendar is closely linked to the Tibetan lunar calendar, particularly the Tibetan New Year and major Buddhist festivals. Together, these observances form a recurring annual cycle of religious and communal activities.

Cultural Significance

Harmony Between Nature and Religion
The Meili Sacred Mountain rituals embody the Tibetan worldview of harmony between humans and nature, promoting respect for the environment and the spiritual sanctity of natural landscapes.

Intangible Cultural Heritage
In November 2014, the Meili Sacred Mountain Rituals were officially inscribed on the Fourth Batch of China’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage Representative List, recognizing their outstanding historical, cultural, and spiritual value.

Recent Events

On May 30, 2025, Deqin County successfully hosted the 11th Meili Sacred Mountain Ritual Festival at the Feilai Temple Viewing Platform. The event featured traditional ceremonies such as incense burning, collective prayers, the ritual of “Sending the Dongma”, and the lighting of butter lamps, attracting monks, local communities, and visitors alike.