Mani Rimdu

Those seeking respite from Nepal’s fragile political situation can trek up to the Tengboche monastery, located 3,867 metres above seal level in the country’s Khumbu region, to witness the finale of this annual Buddhist meditation rite. The Mani Rimdu festival closes with a three-day public celebration of prayers to the god of compassion, Pawa Chenrezig. Sixteen ritualistic mask dances on the penultimate day are choreographed to defend the Buddhist faith from “inner demons” such as greed, ignorance, and hate. After being blessed throughout the ceremony, red pills composed of more than two hundred sacred substances are distributed to the spectators at the event’s conclusion.