Unique to the Himalays, prayer flags are pieces of cloth stamped with mantras and images, either in a pattern of five colours (blue, white, red, green and yellow) horizontally on a long string, or a single narrow vertical flag on a pole.  Prayer flags are flown on auspicious days for different reasons including: the removal of obstacles or illness; protection against harm when travelling; and on important occasions such as the third day of the Tibetan New Year, marriages and other official functions.

Please refer to the for Liberation Calendar days appropriate for hanging prayer flags as obstacles can be experienced when hung on the wrong days of the Tibetan calendar; the calendars can be bought in the Tara Institute Bookshop.