Puja Ceremony at Mount Everest Base Camp
Apa Sherpa reaches for some tea during the puja ceremoney at Everst Base Camp, Nepal on April 19, 2010. Now that the puja ceremony has been performed, it is permitted for climbers and sherpas to sleep on Mount Everest. Now the climbing begins!
By Marshall Thompson
Today we held our puja ceremony to ask forgiveness and permission for climbing on Mount Everest, which is the abode and person of a Sherpa goddess. It was an elaborate ceremony with a lama chanting prayers in front of an altar for nearly an hour and a half straight. Then the Sherpa raised a pole on the alter and stretched prayer flags from it in all directions. After that, there was more eating and drinking and eventually dancing.
The Sherpa, and anybody else who wants to join in, put their arms over each others’ shoulders, stomp their feet rhythmically and sing. This joyous expression lasted for another hour and a half.
At this point, all the equipment is blessed and the Eco Everest Expedition has permission to stay overnight on the slopes of Chomolungma, or Mount Everest. This is exciting. This is when the real climbing begins.
Sounds great! When I was trekking in the Himalayas in 2009, I hoped to be able to take part in a Puja ceremony. Even though I wasn’t climbing, I thought it would be an interesting and worthwhile experience. I hope to return someday and participate.
Stay safe!
Most of us will never get to experience such a thrilling expedition, but it’s fascinating to live vicariously through your stories!
Wow – an hour and half for the ceremony – it must have been an intense and uplifting experience. I find the Sherpas fascinating. Thanks for the post – great reading. Brent M