November 20: Government offices, schools and institutions remained closed as the nation observed Lhabab Duechen or the descending day of Lord Buddha yesterday. It is believed that Lord Buddha returned to earth from the heavenly abode for the salvation of all sentient beings on this day.

Lhabab Duechen or the descending day of Lord Buddha is an auspicious day for the Bhutanese.

On this day, most Bhutanese visit temples and monasteries to offer prayers and butter lamps. Yesterday, hundreds of devotees visited lhakhangs and goendays to offer prayers and butter lamps.

The Dechenphug Lhakhang in Thimphu was packed with hundreds of people, most of them students.

Similarly, the Druk Wangyel Lhakhang in Dochula also saw a huge rush of people who came to offer prayers and butter lamps.

It is believed that Lord Buddha returned to earth from heaven on this day for the benefit of all sentient beings. According to legend, seven days after Lord Buddha was born, his mother Yum Juma Lhazay passed away. To save his mother from the vicious cycle of life, Lord Buddha left for the celestial realm.

For the benefit of all sentient beings, Lord Buddha returned to earth from the celestial realm on this day.