The Sagadawa Festival (萨迦达瓦节), which falls on the first day of the fourth month of the Tibetan calendar to commemorate Buddha Shakyamuni, began on May 29 and will last for the whole Tibetan April.

It is believed by Tibetan Buddhism followers that Buddha Shakyamuni was born, passed away, and got nirvana with Buddhahood in the fourth month of Tibetan calendar. Hence, Tibetan April is the most extraordinary month of the year for Tibetan Buddhists who would abide by the Buddhism commandments and practice virtues, following various religious rituals such as liberating captive animals in memory of Buddha Shakyamuni.

The following pictures show Tibetans in Lhasa start celebrating Sagadawa by paying ritual walks, liberating animals, and eating vegetarian food.

Tibetan devotees worship a deity of Tibetan Buddhism in Lhasa during the Sagadawa festival. Photo: China Tibet Online

A Tibetan couple pays ritual walks during the Sagadawa Festival in Lhasa. Photo: China Tibet Online 

Tibetan believers buy vegetables on May 30, since it is believed by devotees that it's better to be vegetarian during the celebration of the Sagadawa Festival so as not to kill animals' lives, which is a rewarding virtuous act. Photo: China Tibet Online

Tibetans take a sheep from home to liberate it in a monastery as an action of abiding by the benevolence commandment of Buddhism and a sacrifice for Buddha Shakyamuni's blessing during the Sagadawa Festival. Photo: China Tibet Online