Butter lamps were lighted in every house to celebrate the annual butter lamp festival in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region.[Photo/Tibet.cn]

Large crowds of Tibetan pilgrims lit butter lamps and prayed to mark the traditional festival that commemorates Tsong Khapa, a master of Tibetan Buddhism on Dec.8.

Hundreds of butter lamps were lit on the roof of the landmark structure, the flickering flames illuminating the skyline. Monks chanted the sutra in praise of the high monk, their voices amplified by microphones.

Tsong Khapa, the founder of the Gelupga -- also known as the yellow hat -- sect of Tibetan Buddhism, died on the 25th day of the 10th month in the Tibetan calendar in 1419.

Tibetans have since commemorated the day by lighting butter lamps and praying for happiness and good health. The festival has no fixed date on the Western calendar, which never coincides with the Tibetan calendar.

In Tibetan dialect, the festival is called "Ganden Atsok."

The festive crowd gathered in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, prostrating on the ground and praying for good luck.[Photo/Tibet.cn]

Butter lamps were lighted at the Jokhang Temple in the heart of Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region.[Photo/Tibet.cn]

Butter lamps were lighted at the Jokhang Temple in the heart of Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region.[Photo/Tibet.cn]