This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

While many Americans spend this weekend waving flags and watching fireworks, Utah's Tibetans are turning to prayer — more than a million mantras, in fact.

Members of Urgyen Samten Ling Gonpa are devoting their annual around-the-clock Prayers for Compassion to helping rebuild Nepal after an April 25 earthquake devastated the country.

The three-day festival rites and chanting, at 740 S. 300 West, began Thursday evening. The congregation, or "sangha," has created a special earthquake-rebuilding fund to aid fellow worshippers and needy others in the ravaged Asian country.

The ritual prayers will continue through Sunday at 2 p.m. and are dedicated to the work and longevity of the Dalai Lama, considered the spiritual leader to Tibetan Buddhists everywhere. The revered leader celebrates his 80th birthday on Monday.