Tsurphu Monastery, a Kagyupa institution a couple of hours drive to the west of Lhasa city, held its annual three-day festival from May 27 until May 29, 2015.

Monks in elaborate costumes parade around the courtyard of Tsurphu Monastery for the annual festival on May 28, 2015.

A masked performer at Tsurphu Monastery's annual festival on May 28, 2015.

Monks in elaborate costumes parade around the courtyard of Tsurphu Monastery for the annual festival on May 28, 2015.

Crowds of Tibetans and tourists gathered at Tsurphu Monastery for the annual festival on May 28, 2015.

A "clown" character picks an audience member to play a game with at the annual Tsurphu Monastery festival on May 28, 2015.

Monks play ritual trumpets to create music for the costumed performers to dance to, at the annual Tsurphu Monastery festival on May 28, 2015.

Monks play ritual trumpets to create music for the costumed performers to dance to, at the annual Tsurphu Monastery festival on May 28, 2015.

Costumed monks parade around the central courtyard of Tsurphu Monastery for the annual Tsurphu Monastery festival on May 28, 2015.

Costumed monks parade around the central courtyard of Tsurphu Monastery for the annual Tsurphu Monastery festival on May 28, 2015.

A golden statue of Padmasambhava is brought out for the final act on day two of the annual Tsurphu Monastery festival, on May 28, 2015.