Sand mandalas are intricate designs created using colored sand, often associated with Tibetan Buddhism. Monks meticulously pour the sand to form detailed patterns, which can take days or weeks to complete. These mandalas symbolize the universe and are used in spiritual practices. Once finished, the sand mandala is destroyed in a ritual to represent the impermanence of life. The sand is typically swept up and dispersed, often into a body of water, to spread blessings. This practice emphasizes the importance of letting go and the transient nature of existence.