INDIA. SIKKIM. Gangtok. 1963. Pemayangtse Lama performing the Black Hat during Sikkimese New Year ceremonies. Enacted at the end of the cold year, this rite can only be performed by a spiritually attained Tantric lama, the "Vajra Master". Every detail of the costume has mystic power to resist the influence of evil spirits. The evil meant here is the demon of unmanageable ego.