Horse Racing - Derby Festival - Epsom Downs Racecourse, Epsom, Britain - June 5, 2021 Parentʼs Prayer ridden by Oisin Murphy on their way to winning the 2:35 Princess Elizabeth Stakes Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra 

A monk leads prayers during the Hungry Ghost festival in Kuala Lumpur August 3, 2014. According to Taoist and Buddhist beliefs, the seventh month of the Chinese Lunar calendar, known as the Hungry Ghost Festival is when the Gates of Hell open to let out spirits who wander the land of the living looking for food. Food offerings are made while paper money and joss sticks are burnt to keep the spirits of dead ancestors happy and to bring good luck. REUTERS/Olivia Harris (MALAYSIA - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION) 

A man rests as Muslim women attend an evening mass prayer session called "tarawih" to mark the holy fasting month of Ramadan, which will begin on Sunday, in the Great Mosque in Medan, North Sumatra June 28, 2014. . REUTERS/Roni Bintang (INDONESIA - Tags: RELIGION) 

Pilgrims walk across a tidal causeway while carrying crosses during the final leg of the Northern Cross pilgrimage to Holy Island in Northumbria, northern England April 18, 2014. For more than thirty years Christians have taken part in the pilgrimage to Holy Island, walking through Northumberland and the Scottish Borders, during Holy Week. REUTERS/Nigel Roddis (BRITAIN - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

A member of an Islamic sect An-Nadzir shouts, "God is great" during an Eid al-Adha mass prayer at Mawang Lake in Gowa regency, Indonesia's South Sulawesi Province, October 14, 2013. Members of the small sect called An-Nadzir colour their hair, live a basic life of farming and fishing, condemn militancy of any kind, and believe in salvation without discrimination and living in peace with others. Pictures taken October 14, 2013. REUTERS/Yusuf Ahmad (INDONESIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

Hindu devotees perform Garba, a traditional folk dance, during the celebrations to mark the Navratri festival at Surat in the western Indian state of Gujarat October 12, 2013. Devotees worship various forms of Hindu goddesses during the festival, whose name literally means nine nights. REUTERS/Amit Dave (INDIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

Men, dressed in folk costumes, ride on horses during Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, in Benghazi, August 9, 2013. REUTERS/Esam Omran Al-Fetori (LIBYA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY ANIMALS TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

Pilgrims walk across a tidal causeway while carrying crosses during the final leg of the Northern Cross pilgrimage to Holy Island in Northumbria, northern England March 29, 2013. For more than thirty years Christians have taken part in the pilgrimage to Holy Island, walking through Northumberland and the Scottish Borders, during Holy Week. REUTERS/David Moir (BRITAIN - Tags: RELIGION) 

Devotees offer prayer during holi. the Festival of Colours, in Kathmandu March 26, 2013. Holi, also known as the Festival of Colours, marks the beginning of spring and is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over Nepal. REUTERS/Navesh Chitrakar (NEPAL - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION) 

A member of the Indonesian Indian community pierces his mouth with a rod during a ritual called "Pangguni Uttiram" in Deli Serdang regency, North Sumatra April 5, 2012. Pangguni Uttiram is an annual ritual to commemorate the greatness of the god Muruga and keep the vows made by those whose wishes have been fulfilled, carried out by the Hindu community in North Sumatra.
REUTERS/Y.T Haryono (INDONESIA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) 

A girls shoots bubbles from a gun during the start of Diwali celebrations in Leicester, central England, October 16, 2011. Diwali celebrations in Leicester are one of the biggest outside of India, with up to 35,000 people attending the switch on of the lights in the heart of the city's Asian community. REUTERS/Darren Staples (BRITAIN - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

Pilgrims sleep after a prayer vigil at the Cuatro Vientos aerodrome as part of World Youth Day festivities in Madrid August 21, 2011. REUTERS/Susana Vera (SPAIN - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) 

Pope Benedict XVI waves to pilgrims during a prayer vigil at the Cuatro Vientos aerodrome as part of World Youth Day festivities in Madrid August 20, 2011. REUTERS/Susana Vera (SPAIN - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) 

A pilgrim sleeps after a prayer vigil at the Cuatro Vientos aerodrome as part of World Youth Day festivities in Madrid August 21, 2011. REUTERS/Susana Vera (SPAIN - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) 

A pilgrim sleeps after a prayer vigil at the Cuatro Vientos aerodrome as part of World Youth Day festivities in Madrid August 21, 2011. REUTERS/Susana Vera (SPAIN - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) 

Pilgrims sleep after a prayer vigil at the Cuatro Vientos aerodrome as part of World Youth Day festivities in Madrid August 21, 2011. REUTERS/Susana Vera (SPAIN - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) 

Penitents take part in a procession of the "Via Crucis" brotherhood during Holy Week in Granada, southern Spain, April 19, 2011. Hundreds of processions take place around the clock in Spain during Holy Week, drawing thousands of visitors. REUTERS/Pepe Marin (SPAIN - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

A boy riding a camel looks at archaeology and tourism students taking part in Friday prayers in front of the great pyramids on the outskirts of Cairo February 25, 2011. The pyramids at Giza were one of the tourist sites that were reopened to the public for the first time after the recent uprising. Archaeology and tourism students hosted the festival. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh (EGYPT - Tags: TRAVEL RELIGION SOCIETY) 

An ethnic Tibetan monk performs religious dances at a monastery in Tongren, Qinghai province February 13, 2011. Pilgrims gather as local Tibetan monks dressed in traditional costumes perform religious dance to celebrate Monlam, or Great Prayer Festival, one of the most important festivals in Tibetan Buddhism, local media reported. Picture taken February 13, 2011. REUTERS/Simon Zo (CHINA - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) 

A devotee poses during the 42th Hare Krishna Festival of Chariots in central London June 20, 2010.
Devotees of Lord Krishna pulled three 40 foot (12 metres) high chariots from Hyde Park to Trafalgar Square in celebration of Indian culture and spirituality in this annual festival, according to organisers. REUTERS/Paul Hackett (BRITAIN - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION) 

Chinese security forces patrol the main street of Tongren where ethnic Tibetans hold their "Monlam" Festival in Qinghai province February 18, 2010. Local Tibetan monks and pilgrims gather to celebrate "Monlam", or Great Prayer Festival, one of the most important festivals in Tibetan Buddhism. China urged the U.S. to scrap plans for President Barack Obama to meet the Dalai Lama, the latest source of friction in already strained Sino-U.S. relations. The White House said that Obama would meet the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader on Thursday despite China's repeated warnings that such talks would hurt ties. REUTERS/Nir Elias (CHINA - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION POLITICS) 

Young ethnic Tibetan monks play outside their temple during the "Monlam" Festival in a monastery in Tongren, Qinghai province February 18, 2010. Local Tibetan monks and pilgrims gather to celebrate "Monlam", or Great Prayer Festival, one of the most important festivals in Tibetan Buddhism. China urged the U.S. to scrap plans for President Barack Obama to meet the Dalai Lama, the latest source of friction in already strained Sino-U.S. relations. The White House said that Obama would meet the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader on Thursday despite China's repeated warnings that such talks would hurt ties. REUTERS/Nir Elias (CHINA - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION POLITICS) 

Young ethnic Tibetan monks walk near their temple during the Monlam Festival in a monastery in Tongren, Qinghai province February 18, 2010. Local Tibetan monks and pilgrims gather to celebrate "Monlam", or Great Prayer Festival, one of the most important festivals in Tibetan Buddhism. China urged the U.S. to scrap plans for President Barack Obama to meet the Dalai Lama, the latest source of friction in already strained Sino-U.S. relations. The White House said that Obama would meet the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader on Thursday despite China's repeated warnings that such talks would hurt ties. REUTERS/Nir Elias (CHINA - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION POLITICS) 

Ethnic Tibetan religious leaders and monks take part in the "Monlam" Festival, opposite to where a giant "thangka", a sacred painting on cloth, is displayed outside a monastery in Tongren, Qinghai province February 18, 2010. Local Tibetan monks and pilgrims gather to celebrate "Monlam", or Great Prayer Festival, one of the most important festivals in Tibetan Buddhism. China urged the U.S. to scrap plans for President Barack Obama to meet the Dalai Lama, the latest source of friction in already strained Sino-U.S. relations. The White House said that Obama would meet the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader on Thursday despite China's repeated warnings that such talks would hurt ties. REUTERS/Nir Elias (CHINA - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION POLITICS) 

Ethnic Tibetan monks play music in the main court as they take part in the "Monlam" Festival in a monastery in Tongren, Qinghai province February 18, 2010. Local Tibetan monks and pilgrims gather to celebrate "Monlam", or Great Prayer Festival, one of the most important festivals in Tibetan Buddhism. China urged the U.S. to scrap plans for President Barack Obama to meet the Dalai Lama, the latest source of friction in already strained Sino-U.S. relations. The White House said that Obama would meet the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader on Thursday despite China's repeated warnings that such talks would hurt ties. REUTERS/Nir Elias (CHINA - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION POLITICS) 

A young ethnic Tibetan monk gets his costume fixed before taking part in the "Monlam" Festival in a monastery in Tongren, Qinghai province February 18, 2010. Local Tibetan monks and pilgrims gather to celebrate "Monlam", or Great Prayer Festival, one of the most important festivals in Tibetan Buddhism. China urged the U.S. to scrap plans for President Barack Obama to meet the Dalai Lama, the latest source of friction in already strained Sino-U.S. relations. The White House said that Obama would meet the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader on Thursday despite China's repeated warnings that such talks would hurt ties. REUTERS/Nir Elias (CHINA - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION POLITICS) 

Pigeons fly as an ethnic Tibetan monk (R) and a worshipper walk in the temple's yard during the "Monlam" Festival in a monastery in Tongren, Qinghai province February 18, 2010. Local Tibetan monks and pilgrims gather to celebrate "Monlam", or Great Prayer Festival, one of the most important festivals in Tibetan Buddhism. China urged the U.S. to scrap plans for President Barack Obama to meet the Dalai Lama, the latest source of friction in already strained Sino-U.S. relations. The White House said that Obama would meet the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader on Thursday despite China's repeated warnings that such talks would hurt ties. REUTERS/Nir Elias (CHINA - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION POLITICS) 

Ethnic Tibetan monks play music as they take part in the "Monlam" Festival in a monastery in Tongren, Qinghai province February 18, 2010. Local Tibetan monks and pilgrims gather to celebrate "Monlam", or Great Prayer Festival, one of the most important festivals in Tibetan Buddhism. China urged the U.S. to scrap plans for President Barack Obama to meet the Dalai Lama, the latest source of friction in already strained Sino-U.S. relations. The White House said that Obama would meet the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader on Thursday despite China's repeated warnings that such talks would hurt ties. REUTERS/Nir Elias (CHINA - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION POLITICS) 

An ethnic Tibetan monk walks in front of a giant "thangka", a sacred painting on cloth, as its displayed, as part of the "Monlam" Festival, on a hill outside a monastery in Tongren, Qinghai province February 18, 2010.Local Tibetan monks and pilgrims gather to celebrate "Monlam", or Great Prayer Festival, one of the most important festivals in Tibetan Buddhism. China urged the U.S. to scrap plans for President Barack Obama to meet the Dalai Lama, the latest source of friction in already strained Sino-U.S. relations. The White House said that Obama would meet the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader on Thursday despite China's repeated warnings that such talks would hurt ties. REUTERS/Nir Elias (CHINA - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION POLITICS) 

Young ethnic Tibetan monks walk near their temple during the "Monlam" Festival in a monastery in Tongren, Qinghai province February 18, 2010. Local Tibetan monks and pilgrims gather to celebrate "Monlam", or Great Prayer Festival, one of the most important festivals in Tibetan Buddhism. China urged the U.S. to scrap plans for President Barack Obama to meet the Dalai Lama, the latest source of friction in already strained Sino-U.S. relations. The White House said that Obama would meet the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader on Thursday despite China's repeated warnings that such talks would hurt ties. REUTERS/Nir Elias (CHINA - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION POLITICS) 

Ethnic Tibetan monks take part in "Monlam" festivities in a monastery in Tongren, Qinghai province February 18, 2010. Local Tibetan monks and pilgrims gather to celebrate "Monlam", or Great Prayer Festival, one of the most important festivals in Tibetan Buddhism. China urged the U.S. to scrap plans for President Barack Obama to meet the Dalai Lama, the latest source of friction in already strained Sino-U.S. relations. The White House said that Obama would meet the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader on Thursday despite China's repeated warnings that such talks would hurt ties. REUTERS/Nir Elias (CHINA - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION POLITICS) 

Young ethnic Tibetan monks blow horns as spiritual leaders stand by during the "Monlam" Festival in a monastery in Tongren, Qinghai province February 18, 2010. Local Tibetan monks and pilgrims gather to celebrate "Monlam", or Great Prayer Festival, one of the most important festivals in Tibetan Buddhism. China urged the United States to scrap plans for President Barack Obama to meet the Dalai Lama, the latest source of friction in already strained Sino-U.S. relations. The White House said that Obama would meet the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader on Thursday, despite China's repeated warnings that such talks would hurt ties. REUTERS/Nir Elias (CHINA - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION POLITICS) 

Ethnic Tibetans gather around a giant "thangka", a sacred painting on cloth, as its displayed, as part of the "Monlam" Festival, on a hill outside a monastery in Tongren, Qinghai province February 18, 2010. Local Tibetan monks and pilgrims gather to celebrate "Monlam", or Great Prayer Festival, one of the most important festivals in Tibetan Buddhism. China urged the United States to scrap plans for President Barack Obama to meet the Dalai Lama, the latest source of friction in already strained Sino-U.S. relations. The White House said that Obama would meet the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader on Thursday despite China's repeated warnings that such talks would hurt ties. REUTERS/Nir Elias (CHINA - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION POLITICS) 

Ethnic Tibetan monks fix a religious artifact before the beginning of the "Monlam" Festival in a monastery in Tongren, Qinghai province February 18, 2010. Local Tibetan monks and pilgrims gather to celebrate "Monlam", or Great Prayer Festival, one of the most important festivals in Tibetan Buddhism. China urged the United States to scrap plans for President Barack Obama to meet the Dalai Lama, the latest source of friction in already strained Sino-U.S. relations. The White House said that Obama would meet the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader on Thursday, despite China's repeated warnings that such talks would hurt ties. REUTERS/Nir Elias (CHINA - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION POLITICS) 

Ethnic Tibetan pilgrims attend the "Monlam" Festival in a monastery in Tongren, Qinghai province February 18, 2010. Local Tibetan monks and pilgrims gather to celebrate "Monlam", or Great Prayer Festival, one of the most important festivals in Tibetan Buddhism. China urged the United States to scrap plans for President Barack Obama to meet the Dalai Lama, the latest source of friction in already strained Sino-U.S. relations. The White House said that Obama would meet the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader on February 18, despite China's repeated warnings that such talks would hurt ties. REUTERS/Nir Elias (CHINA - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION POLITICS) 

Young ethnic Tibetan monks take part in "Monlam" festivities in a monastery in Tongren, Qinghai province February 18, 2010. Local Tibetan monks and pilgrims gather to celebrate Monlam, or Great Prayer Festival, one of the most important festivals in Tibetan Buddhism. China urged the U.S. to scrap plans for President Barack Obama to meet the Dalai Lama, the latest source of friction in already strained Sino-U.S. relations. The White House said that Obama would meet the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader on Thursday despite China's repeated warnings that such talks would hurt ties. REUTERS/Nir Elias (CHINA - Tags: SOCIETY RELIGION POLITICS) 

Men pray in front of the national mosque during the Shab-e-Barat festival in Dhaka August 6, 2009. Also known as the Mid-Shaban, the festival is celebrated by seeking forgiveness and repenting. The characters read, "God is great". REUTERS/Andrew Biraj (BANGLADESH RELIGION SOCIETY) 

Orangemen shelter from the rain after marching to Drumcree Parish Church in Portadown, Northern Ireland July 5, 2009. Their yearly parade which at one point was attended by 50,000 supporters, has been stopped from travelling along the Nationalist Garvaghy Road since 1998. REUTERS/Cathal McNaughton (NORTHERN IRELAND CONFLICT POLITICS RELIGION ) 

Indonesian Hindus worshipers take part in a ritual ceremony "Tawur Agung Kesanga" (Great Purification Ceremony) to welcome "Nyepi" (Hindu New Year) at the Prambanan temple in Yogyakarta March 25, 2009. Hindus in Indonesia's Java and Bali islands are preparing for the annual Nyepi day of silence and meditation which falls on Tuesday. REUTERS/Dwi Oblo (INDONESIA RELIGION SOCIETY IMAGE OF THE DAY TOP PICTURE) 

Indonesian Hindu dancers take part in a ritual ceremony "Tawur Agung Kesanga" (Great Purification Ceremony) to welcome "Nyepi" (Hindu New Year) at the Prambanan temple in Yogyakarta March 25, 2009. Hindus worshipers carry "Ogoh-ogoh", giant effigies symbolising evil spirits, as they march on the streets in Surabaya during a ritual ceremony REUTERS/Dwi Oblo (INDONESIA RELIGION SOCIETY) 

Riot policemen patrol the main street in Xiahe in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu province February 7, 2009 during the Monlam celebration, or the Great Prayer Festival, one of the most important festivals in Tibetan Buddhism. Xiahe is the home to the Labrang Monastery which is the biggest Tibetan monastery outside Tibet. As Chinese celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Ox with fireworks and family feasts, a silent but stubborn struggle is being waged over a similar Tibetan holiday with tense as many troops patrolling the streets of Xiahe at the first day of the Tibetan festival. REUTERS/Nir Elias (CHINA) 

Riot policemen patrol the main street in Xiahe in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu province February 7, 2009 during the Monlam celebration, or the Great Prayer Festival, one of the most important festivals in Tibetan Buddhism. Xiahe is the home to the Labrang Monastery which is the biggest Tibetan monastery outside Tibet. As Chinese celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Ox with fireworks and family feasts, a silent but stubborn struggle is being waged over a similar Tibetan holiday with tense as many troops patrolling the streets of Xiahe at the first day of the Tibetan festival. REUTERS/Nir Elias (CHINA) 

A local rides his bicycle as riot policemen patrol the main street in Xiahe in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu province February 7, 2009 during the Monlam celebration, or the Great Prayer Festival, one of the most important festivals in Tibetan Buddhism. Xiahe is the home to the Labrang Monastery which is the biggest Tibetan monastery outside Tibet. As Chinese celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Ox with fireworks and family feasts, a silent but stubborn struggle is being waged over a similar Tibetan holiday with tense as many troops patrolling the streets of Xiahe at the first day of the Tibetan festival. REUTERS/Nir Elias (CHINA) 

Riot policemen patrol the main street in Xiahe in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu province February 7, 2009 during the Monlam celebration, or the Great Prayer Festival, one of the most important festivals in Tibetan Buddhism. Xiahe is the home to the Labrang Monastery which is the biggest Tibetan monastery outside Tibet. As Chinese celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Ox with fireworks and family feasts, a silent but stubborn struggle is being waged over a similar Tibetan holiday with tense as many troops patrolling the streets of Xiahe at the first day of the Tibetan festival. REUTERS/Nir Elias (CHINA) 

Riot policemen patrol the main street in Xiahe in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu province February 7, 2009 during the Monlam celebration, or the Great Prayer Festival, one of the most important festivals in Tibetan Buddhism. Xiahe is the home to the Labrang Monastery which is the biggest Tibetan monastery outside Tibet. As Chinese celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Ox with fireworks and family feasts, a silent but stubborn struggle is being waged over a similar Tibetan holiday with tense as many troops patrolling the streets of Xiahe at the first day of the Tibetan festival. REUTERS/Nir Elias (CHINA) 

Locals ride bicycles as riot policemen patrol the main street in Xiahe in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu province February 7, 2009 during the Monlam celebration, or the Great Prayer Festival, one of the most important festivals in Tibetan Buddhism. Xiahe is the home to the Labrang Monastery which is the biggest Tibetan monastery outside Tibet. As Chinese celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Ox with fireworks and family feasts, a silent but stubborn struggle is being waged over a similar Tibetan holiday with tense as many troops patrolling the streets of Xiahe at the first day of the Tibetan festival. REUTERS/Nir Elias (CHINA) 

Ethnic Tibetan monks sit on a roof at the Labrang monastery in Xiahe, which is the biggest Tibetan monastery outside Tibet, February 6, 2009, a day before the Monlam celebration, or the Great Prayer Festival, which is one of the most important festivals in Tibetan Buddhism. As Chinese celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Ox with fireworks and family feasts, a silent but stubborn struggle is being waged over a similar Tibetan holiday. REUTERS/Nir Elias (CHINA) 

Ethnic Tibetan monks sit on a roof at the Labrang monastery in Xiahe, which is the biggest Tibetan monastery outside Tibet, February 6, 2009, a day before the Monlam celebration, or the Great Prayer Festival, which is one of the most important festivals in Tibetan Buddhism. As Chinese celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Ox with fireworks and family feasts, a silent but stubborn struggle is being waged over a similar Tibetan holiday. REUTERS/Nir Elias (CHINA) 

An ethnic Tibetan pilgrim stands on a hillside overlooking part of the Labrang Monastery in Xiahe, which is the biggest Tibetan monastery outside Tibet, February 6, 2009, a day before the Monlam celebration, or the Great Prayer Festival, which is one of the most important festivals in Tibetan Buddhism. As Chinese celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Ox with fireworks and family feasts, a silent but stubborn struggle is being waged over a similar Tibetan holiday. REUTERS/Nir Elias (CHINA) 

Ethnic Tibetan monks chat in a street near their dormitories at Labrang monastery in Xiahe, which is the biggest Tibetan monastery outside Tibet, February 6, 2009, a day before the Monlam celebration, or the Great Prayer Festival, which is one of the most important festivals in Tibetan Buddhism. As Chinese celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Ox with fireworks and family feasts, a silent but stubborn struggle is being waged over a similar Tibetan holiday. REUTERS/Nir Elias (CHINA) 

A young ethnic Tibetan monk stands at a doorway in the Labrang monastery in Xiahe, which is the biggest Tibetan monastery outside Tibet, February 6, 2009, a day before the Monlam celebration, or the Great Prayer Festival, which is one of the most important festivals in Tibetan Buddhism. As Chinese celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Ox with fireworks and family feasts, a silent but stubborn struggle is being waged over a similar Tibetan holiday. REUTERS/Nir Elias (CHINA) 

Ethnic Tibetan monks walk to the Labrang monastery in Xiahe, which is the biggest Tibetan monastery outside Tibet, a day before the Monlam celebration, or the Great Prayer Festival, one of the most important festivals in Tibetan Buddhism February 6, 2009. As Chinese celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Ox with fireworks and family feasts, a silent but stubborn struggle is being waged over a similar Tibetan holiday. REUTERS/Nir Elias (CHINA) 

A young ethnic Tibetan pilgrim pauses during a religious ritual around the Labrang monastery in Xiahe, which is the biggest Tibetan monastery outside Tibet, a day before the Monlam celebration, or the Great Prayer Festival, one of the most important festivals in Tibetan Buddhism February 6, 2009. As Chinese celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Ox with fireworks and family feasts, a silent but stubborn struggle is being waged over a similar Tibetan holiday. REUTERS/Nir Elias (CHINA) 

A young ethnic Tibetan pilgrim bows during a religious ritual around the Labrang monastery in Xiahe, which is the biggest Tibetan monastery outside Tibet, a day before the Monlam celebration, or the Great Prayer Festival, one of the most important festivals in Tibetan Buddhism February 6, 2009. As Chinese celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Ox with fireworks and family feasts, a silent but stubborn struggle is being waged over a similar Tibetan holiday. REUTERS/Nir Elias (CHINA) 

An ethnic Tibetan monk gives holy water to pilgrims at the Labrang monastery in Xiahe, which is the biggest Tibetan monastery outside Tibet, a day before the Monlam celebration, or the Great Prayer Festival, one of the most important festivals in Tibetan Buddhism February 6, 2009. As Chinese celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Ox with fireworks and family feasts, a silent but stubborn struggle is being waged over a similar Tibetan holiday. REUTERS/Nir Elias (CHINA) 

Police cars patrol a street near the Tibetan Labrang monastery in Xiahe, which is the biggest Tibetan monastery outside Tibet, a day before the Monlam celebration, or the Great Prayer Festival, one of the most important festivals in Tibetan Buddhism February 6, 2009. As Chinese celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Ox with fireworks and family feasts, a silent but stubborn struggle is being waged over a similar Tibetan holiday. REUTERS/Nir Elias (CHINA) 

An ethnic Tibetan monk walks to the Labrang monastery in Xiahe, which is the biggest Tibetan monastery outside Tibet, a day before the Monlam celebration, or the Great Prayer Festival, one of the most important festivals in Tibetan Buddhism February 6, 2009. As Chinese celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Ox with fireworks and family feasts, a silent but stubborn struggle is being waged over a similar Tibetan holiday. REUTERS/Nir Elias (CHINA) 

Ethnic Tibetan monks perform religious dances at a monastery in Tongren, Qinghai province February 5, 2009. Local Tibetan monks and pilgrims gather to celebrate Monlam, or Great Prayer Festival, one of the most important festivals in Tibetan Buddhism. REUTERS/Reinhard Krause (CHINA)