Major monasteries in Lhasa are holding prayers as believers and tourists begin to pour in. Social stability and harmony are the common wish of the monks and pilgrims.

A Lama adds ghee to the lamp in front of the figures of Buddha in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, Mar. 11, 2009. A celebration for the ghee flowers and lanterns festival was held in the Jokhang Temple, attracting the visitors from all over the country. [Chogo/Xinhua]

Prayers begin as early as 6 o'clock in the morning at Drepung Monastery. The day's activities include six such prayers and a traditional Sutra debate. Believers paying their tribute to Buddha can listen to the prayers for as long as they want, and many make donations to show their sincerity and to make a wish for the future.