Tibetan Buddhists present money and khadaks, a white piece of silk, to Buddha and guests on Friday in Lhasa. [Photo by Palden Nyima/chinadaily.com.cn]

This year's event will feature the traditional "sunning of the Buddha" ceremonies, as well as Tibetan opera performances, picnics in the Norbu Lingka Park, trekking, equestrian events, traditional music and dance, and an ethnic costume show.

"I got up at 3 am and started my pilgrimage trip in the rain from my home. It took me hours to pay the visit to the Buddha," said Dorje Tashi, a 29-year-old resident of the region's Doilungdechen district.