On the 15th day of the 4th Tibetan month is the day which is believed to be the day when Sakyamuni was born, step into Buddha and attained nirvana. Tibetans believe that one merit equals myriads of merits accumulated the other days. People keep from killing animals, refrain from eating meats, liberate animals donate large sums to the religious orders, monasteries and to the beggars that gather at this time of year. Sutra chanting, prayer turning, Cham dancing and other religious activities dominate the session. Offering sacrifices to the female deity enshrined in the temple on the islet of the Dragon King Pond, boating in the pond and picnicking add more festive mood. During this period, hundreds of thousands of people turn their prayer wheels on the street in Lhasa. Almost every person within Lhasa join in this circumambulations round the city and spend their late afternoon on picnic at "Dzongyab Lukhang " park at the foot of Potala Palace. |
