'Sera Bengqin Festival' celebrated ahead of Tibetan New Year

Tibetan Buddhism believers gathered at the Sera Monastery in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region on Friday, to celebrate a traditional religious festival ahead of the Tibetan New Year.

The annual "Sera Bengqin Festival" is an important religious event to pray for good fortune and sound health. As a tradition, people would proceed to receive the blessing from the Vajra Pestle, treasure of the Sera Monastery, which is opened to the public once a year.