In keeping with centuries-old tradition, Tibetan Buddhist monks from the Drepung Loseling Monastery create and then ritually destroy an intricate sand mandala painting.

Held prior to the creation of an intricate sand mandala painting, the opening ceremony honors dignitaries and consecrates the grounds of the mandala with sacred chants believed to generate energies conducive to world healing. Following the ceremony, the monks begin the intricate process of creating the mandala, placing millions of grains of sand by hand to form detailed and symbolic designs.