Women prepare to prostrate themselves in front of the entrance to Jokhang 

Young children also prostrate themselves around the Kora circuit.  Like their elders they have padded protection for their knees and wooden blocks attached to their hand on which they propel themselves forward.

The ever whirring prayer wheels concentrate the mind and contain up to a mile of prayers which will be recited as the wheels turn.

This is not necessarily a solemn  occasion, there seemed to be plenty of time for conversation and even laughter.

The traditional bangdian (apron) indicates a woman is married.