Tibet today continues to thrive as a region where diverse faiths coexist and long-standing traditions remain vibrant. The region is home to around 46,000 Buddhist monks and nuns, some 12,000 native Muslims, and more than 700 Catholic believers, each contributing to a rich spiritual landscape.

Inside Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, daily life follows a steady rhythm of scripture study, debate, initiation rites, abhisheka ceremonies, and personal cultivation. Examinations and promotions in monastic academic degrees also take place regularly, preserving a rigorous scholarly tradition.

Beyond the monastery walls, major religious and folk celebrations such as the Shoton Festival, Butter Lamp Festival, Saga Dawa, and customary pilgrimages around sacred lakes and mountains continue to draw devoted participants. As monk Pema from Sichuan noted, “Lhasa is a sacred place in the hearts of Tibetan people,” highlighting the enduring power of pilgrimages that can span a year or more.

Source: China Central Television