Extensive offering (Puja) 

Every year at the beginning of July Buddhists all over the world celebrate protectors day. According to the Tibetan calendar this occurs at the 15th day of the 5th month, during full moon. 

This is the only day in the year where, during a special ceremony, the protectors are asked for help for all sentient beings. During this day people will climb a mountain together with several monks. At the top of the mountain a Puja (offering) is performed.

The ceremony starts at seven in the morning, with the lighting of a fire using special types of wood. Then prayers will be performed. Next, food, katha's (white scarfs) and lastly prayer flags with prayers for the protectors are put into the fire. The protects take the offerings and reward by protecting for one year. The ceremony lasts between one and two hours.

People can bring their own food and offer it to the fire. Rice, grains fruit and sweets can be used.

The pictures were taken during a puja in Kreut-Alm (Germany).