The Great Prayer Festival is celebrated from the 8th to the 15th day of the first Tibetan month in Lhasa. With a history of over 500 years, it is now the highest religious seminar of Tibetan Buddhism. According to the legend, in the first month of the year, Buddha conquered or converted six holy men of false religions at the between Tibet and India. At first, the monks from the Three Great Monasteries of Tibet (Sera Monastery, Dreprung Monastery, Ganden Monastery) assembled before the statue of Shakyamuni. They recited scriptures and prayed for best wishes. The Prayer Festival became more and more elaborate as time passed. During the festival, they debate fiercely on the Buddhist scriptures and hold religious examinations for learners of the Buddhist scriptures. Disciples from all over will come to worship the Buddha.
