Ghost Festival (Zhongyuan / Ullambana): Online Offerings, Prayers & Etiquette

For families around the world, the Ghost Festival—also known as *Zhongyuan (中元节) or Ullambana —is a time to remember loved ones, practice compassion, and dedicate merit to all beings.
This guide shows how to make respectful online offerings , pray from home, and share blessings with family—no matter where you are.

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What is the Ghost Festival?
Traditionally observed in the seventh lunar month (with the main day on the 15th), the festival emphasizes filial piety, remembrance, and universal compassion .
Families offer incense, lamps, fruit, flowers, and kind words, then dedicate the merit to ancestors and all beings.

> Want to learn more about Kṣitigarbha devotion and Jiuhua Mountain? See our note on
> [Jiuhua Mountain — Sacred Land of Kṣitigarbha](https://qiyuan007.com/blogs/news/%F0%9F%8C%B8-jiuhua-mountain-sacred-land-of-k%E1%B9%A3itigarbha-bodhisattva) .

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What to prepare (Home & Online)

At home (optional):
- A quiet, clean space (table/altar)
- Incense or candle (or LED candle if preferred)
- Simple offerings: fruit, flowers, tea or water
- A short remembrance message or prayer

Online (easy & private-friendly):
- Create a cloud memorial page and add incense/candle visuals
- Post a remembrance message, dedicate merit, invite family to leave blessings
- Keep the page public (Basic) or invite-only/private (Premium/Exclusive)


3 simple steps: Make an online offering today

1) Create / open the memorial page → upload a photo, name, and story highlights.
2) Add an offering → light a virtual candle or incense; post your prayer/ blessing.
3) Share and dedicate → invite family to comment; conclude with a merit dedication.

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Prayer & Message Templates (EN / 中文)

1) For Ancestors（祭祖）
EN:
> With gratitude I offer light and remembrance to my ancestors. May you be peaceful and free from suffering. May our family carry forward your kindness and wisdom.
中文：
> 诚心供灯追思历代祖先，愿诸位先灵离苦得安，蒙佛菩萨加被。愿子孙承继善行，常怀感恩。

2) For Parents（父母长辈）
EN:
> Dear [Name/Relation], I remember your love and teachings. May this offering bring light to you. May I continue your goodness in the world.
中文：
> 亲爱的[称谓/姓名]，感恩一生教养之德。谨供此灯与心香，愿您安乐光明，我亦承袭善行，广结善缘。

3) Universal Dedication（普回向）
EN:
> By this small act of goodness, I dedicate the merit to all beings—especially those who are lonely, forgotten, or suffering. May all be at peace.
中文：
> 以此微善，回向一切众生，尤念孤魂与苦难者，愿皆得安乐，离苦得乐。

4) For the Deceased Loved One（故人追思）
EN:
> [Name], you are remembered with love. May the light of wisdom guide you; may kindness accompany you.
中文：
> [姓名]，谨以至诚追思，愿智慧之光照耀，善缘随行，常住安宁。

5) Blessings for Family（家人祈愿）
EN:
> May our family be healthy, harmonious, and guided by compassion. May we honor our loved ones through good deeds.
中文：
> 愿阖家身心康泰、和合安宁，以慈悲为怀，以善行纪念所爱之人。

> Tip: You can combine several messages—one for ancestors, one for a specific loved one, and one universal dedication.

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Do’s & Don’ts (Gentle Etiquette)

Do:
- Keep a respectful, calm heart; speak with gratitude and kindness
- Keep the space clean; use simple, fresh offerings
- Invite family to participate and leave blessings
- Conclude with a merit dedication

Don’t (as personal guidelines):
- Don’t act from fear or superstition; keep a balanced, compassionate view
- Avoid waste (excessive offerings) and harm (e.g., burning too much paper)
- Don’t worry if you miss the exact day— sincere practice any day still counts

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FAQ

Can I do this from overseas?
Yes. Online offerings and prayers work anywhere.

Can the memorial be private?
Yes. Premium/Exclusive plans support invite-only or private access.

Can we co-manage as a family?
Yes. Families can collaborate and leave messages together.

What if I can’t do it on the exact date?
Sincerity matters more than date. Any day you remember with kindness is meaningful.

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Further reading
- [- Jiuhua Mountain — Sacred Land of Kṣitigarbha)