"Torgya" is a propitiation rite held every year starting from 28th day of the eleventh month of the lunar calendar, which generally falls in the last part of January or early February.

The purpose of the ritual is to drive off evil forces and to ward off any natural calamities so that people can have a happy and prosperous life for the new year.

While it is a fulfilling offering puja, many lay people see it as a monastic festival. There are many local and international visitors to the monastery, who will be clad in their colorful, best dresses, making the event a carnival of colors.

Click to see larger image