The Largest Thangka – During the second month of the Tibetan lunar calendar, monks from Drepung, Sera, Ganden and neighboring monasteries came to Lhasa for the spectacular Serbang procession. When the “Golden Procession” arrived at the steps of the Potala, the blast of a great trumpet sounded from above to announce the raising of this immense thangka (scroll painting).

Inside the Potala, monks from the Drepung Monastery seated on saddles lashed to huge beams would hoist the great banner on ropes while chanting in rhythm. The sacred images were then unfurled to the veneration of the great throng below.