Rituals, gatherings mark Tibetan New Year
Local pastries are made and traded during Losar. Dough balls produced from wheat flour and rapeseed oil are used to make the pastry, which is pressed into sheets. The dough is then cut into various shapes, which are fried in oil.
People also place a flowerpot containing green shoots from grain in their shrine room or living room during Losar — a tradition known as lophud, which refers to a new offering and symbolizes a bumper harvest in the new year.
On the third day of Losar, residents hang prayer flags on their roof or on top of a hill. The flags are expected to bring peace, happiness, good fortune and health for all.
In addition to rituals, feasts and family gatherings, new year galas are organized in most places. Cham, a religious dance ritual, is performed by monks in some monasteries, and numerous other rituals and activities take place.
Besides dancing, singing and gatherings, Losar activities in some parts of the region include horse racing, rolling dice and hosting Tibetan opera performances.
Contact the writers at palden_nyima@chinadaily.com.cn
