Prayers blown by the wind to spread peace, strength and compassion

The prayer flags flying high over High Street this evening

THE streets of Killarney have been adorned with colourful Tibetan prayer flags to mark the inaugural Killarney Mountain festival which gets underway this weekend.

The flags, in a variety of colours, are traditionally used to promote peace, compassion and wisdom and the belief in Tibet is that the prayers will be blown by the wind to spread strength and love.

Synonymous with mountaineering enthusiasts in many parts of the world, the rectangular cloth flags, which are billowing in the breeze flying over the Killarney streets from today, are more commonly often found along mountain ridges and peaks high in the Himalayas and the belief is that they bless the landscape and keep climbers safe.

According to traditional beliefs, the symbols and mantras on prayer flags are sacred and should be treated with respect. They should not be placed on the ground or used on clothing and when they have served their purpose, they should be burned.

The red, blue, yellow and green flags represent the elements like fire, water and earth while white symbolises air.

Killarney will cement its position as Ireland’s adventure capital at the weekend when it welcomes visitors for the three-day festival. It will be officially launched on Friday evening, in Café Du Park in the Killarney Plaza Hotel, and an action-packed weekend of guided climbs, riveting talks, film screening and social gatherings is planned.

The festival basecamp is a giant and colorful circus big top in the Beech Road car park which will also host exhibitions and social gatherings during the course of the weekend.