Manirildup: The union of all blissful one

"The statue of Shakyamuni Buddha gazes onward, bathed in a serene glow from dim portable electric light within the deity's chamber. New shafts of sunlight filter through the open windows, illuminating the vast chamber of the Thame Monastery. A group of monks gathers around a mandala board, where a conical metal funnel, scrapped by Vajra, awaits their attention. This board is marked with basic lines outlined with strings and chalk, onto which the monks delicately apply fine sand, meticulously crafting the intricate deign of the board of Mandala. "

In the rich tapestry of of religious observances found within the Tibetan Buddhism, one particular form stands out : "Drupchen" which translates to great accomplishment, great ritual or great consecration. Drupchen is a profound practice aimed at purification and the accumulation of the merit, often extending on several days. Central Drupchen is the creation and visualization of Mandala, symbolizing the divine residence of the deities. Elaborate rituals involves the consecration of various substances, recitation of sacred mantras, and the offering of prayers. A significant aspect of Drupchen is the fire offering ceremony which symbolizes the transformation of negative energies into positive forces.

As the ritual progresses, the devotees may engage in ritual dances and receive bless substances as token of spiritual grace. The culminating moment of the dissolution of the Mandala, representing the impermanence of all phenomenon.

The Sherpa festival "Manirimdu" is akin to the Drupchen ceremony dedicated to the deity Cherenzig (Avalokiteshavra), also referred to as the god of dance and great compassionate one. Cherenzig is regarded as an embodiment of great compassion and is revered as an enlighten being, a bodhisattva.

At the heart of Manirimdu lies the veneration of Cherenzig, whose essence embodies pure compassion and serve as a spontaneous expression of the innate nature of the mind, aimed at alleviating the suffering of all beings. Cherenzig is depicted in various forms, with Manirimdu specially honoring the union of all blissful ones, which corresponds to the "Anuyoga" level within the tantric tradition.

In the Tibetan Buddhism, Cherenzig is recognized in at least 108 different manifestations, each representing different facets of compassion and wisdom. The Manirimdu festival serves as a celebrations of these divine qualities, inviting devotees to partake in the rituals, prayers and dances that honor Cherenzig's compassionate presence and seek blessings for the well being of all sentient beings.