Cham dance marks Lhasa's Tibetan New Year celebrations

A monastery in Lhasa, Xizang, held its annual Qiangmu, or Cham dance, ritual on the 29th day of the 12th month in the traditional Tibetan calendar, which falls on February 27. The event was performed to drive away evil spirits, offer prayers for good fortune and express good wishes for Tibetan New Year.

The Cham, a religious dance performed by Tibetan Buddhist monks, consists of solo, duet and group performances. The monks wore masks during the ceremony, which is deeply rooted in Tibetan culture and Buddhism.