Chötrul Düchen is one of four major Tibetan Buddhist holy days, celebrated on the first full moon after lunar new year.   It is known as the Butter Lamp Festival, Festival of Lights, or Great Day of Miraculous Manifestations.  It commemorates the day that Buddha Shakyamuni settled the question of his enlightenment with naysayers by performing many miracles.  This full moon day is considered a “merit multiplier” day, with the effects of both positive and negative actions multiplied ten million times.

This year, in addition to Chötrul Düchen falling on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, there is a total lunar eclipse, often called a “Blood Moon.”   The eclipse will be visible across North and Central America, the Pacific, East Asia, and Australia.  (Totality is at 3:04am Pacific Time).  This is the only total lunar eclipse of 2026 and the last one visible from North America until 2028, making it a rare event.

Learn More: The Story of the 15 Days of Miracles, Rigpa Wiki-Brief Explanation of Chotrul Duchen

Learn More:  Total Lunar Eclipse March 3, 2026