Over 1,000 Thangka creators gather to paint the classic Tibetan folk art in Chamdo
In a spectacular display of cultural heritage and coordination, 1,138 Thangka artists, dressed in traditional Tibetan attire, gathered in Karuo District, Chamdo City, Tibet, China on 28 September. They arranged themselves into the formation of the "Endless Knot" – a sacred Buddhist symbol – and under the guidance of master artists, simultaneously picked up their brushes to paint.
This grand event successfully secured two Guinness World Records titles of largest thangka painting lesson and most people painting thangkas simultaneously.
Thangka is a unique and highly stylized form of painting central to Tibetan culture. Traditional Thangkas are revered not just for their spiritual subjects but also for their materials. Artists use precious mineral pigments like gold, silver, pearl, agate, coral, turquoise, malachite, and cinnabar, alongside plant-based colours from saffron, rhubarb, and indigo. This lavish use of natural materials gives Thangka its radiant, jewel-like brilliance, allowing the colours to remain strikingly vivid for centuries.
Acting as a visual encyclopedia of Tibetan culture, Thangka art covers a vast range of subjects, including history, economy, culture, folklore, secular life, and astronomy. Recognized as an invaluable and intangible cultural heritage, it is a precious folk art for the region’s people.
The city of Chamdo, Tibet is the central and historic birthplace of Thangka art, and they used this event to powerfully demonstrate the living transmission of its skills and culture from one generation to the next.
Read more stories about talented painters in our Arts and Entertainment section!
Before the official record attempt began, the artists moved into the complex formation of the Endless Knot, a symbol representing longevity and eternity in Tibetan Buddhism. As the starting command was given, a focused silence fell over the crowd.
The painters, in sync with the masters, began meticulously sketching and applying colour to their pristine canvases. Hours of intense concentration later, a stunning collection of Thangkas emerged, each characterized by its precise composition and vibrant palette.
Following the painting session, an official Guinness World Records Adjudicator, who had monitored the entire process and verified the quality of the works, announced the successful setting of the two new world records and presented the official certificates.
“The successful establishment of these Guinness World Records titles marks a significant milestone in the protection, inheritance, and development of Chamdo's Thangka culture,” said Mr Deng Wenchang, Standing Committee Member of the Chamdo Municipal Committee and Secretary of the Karuo District Committee.
“This achievement has unprecedentedly elevated the global recognition and influence of Chamdo Thangka art. It is a vivid demonstration of our district's firm cultural confidence and our commitment to safeguarding our heritage.
“Using the world record platform, we have successfully promoted 'Chamdo Thangka' as a unique cultural brand to the world, infusing the soul of profound culture into Chamdo's cultural tourism industry,” he continued. “This event has powerfully showcased to the world Karuo District's open and inclusive spirit, its rich and unique local character, and its profound, enduring cultural legacy.”
The day was further enriched by complementary activities showcasing local cultural heritage. Attendees enjoyed live performances of the Chamdo Gorpa (a Tibetan circle dance), traditional Chamdo Zhonin folk songs, and visited an interactive heritage experience zone. This further allowed visitors to engage directly with the region's living traditions.