Generally, from the 23rd day to the 29th day of the 11th month of the Tibetan calendar, Sakya Monastery would hold its annual Mahakala Dharma Assembly, which features a large scale and a majestic atmosphere. According to traditional ritual procedures, the statues of the Dharma Guardians are invited from each hall, and a Mahakala mask dance is performed on the monastery square. The annual Mahakala Dharma Assembly has become a significant festival at Sakya Monastery, drawing people together to pray that everything goes well in the new year.

The statue of the Dharma Guardian invited.

The statue of the Dharma Guardian invited.

A scene of the ritual of inviting the statue of the Dharma Guardian.

A scene of the ritual of inviting the statue of the Dharma Guardian.

A scene of the ritual of inviting the statue of the Dharma Guardian.

A scene of the ritual of inviting the statue of the Dharma Guardian.

A scene of the ritual of inviting the statue of the Dharma Guardian.

Visitors watching the ritual from the second floor of Sakya Monastery.

The Mahakala mask dance performance at the end of the Mahakala Dharma Assembly.