The Wangguo Festival in Qonggyai County, Shannan, Xizang, is a vibrant celebration of the harvest season, observed from July 30 to August 3 this year. Among the festivities, 18-year-old Tsering Dondrup from Jiuhe Village stands out as his family selects him to represent their household in the traditional practice of 'circling the fields.'
Starting early in the morning, Tsering, with the support of his mother, dons his traditional holiday costume and takes part in a ceremonial departure. He then joins other community representatives, dancing energetically around the village fields. This ritual, deeply rooted in the Yarlung Zangbo River valley area, symbolizes gratitude for the ripened grains and embodies the close-knit bond between the community and their agricultural heritage.
Wangguo Festival, with 'wang' meaning crops and 'guo' signifying the act of circling, has grown to become a grander event than the Tibetan New Year in Xizang's agricultural regions. Its widespread celebration across rural and forested areas highlights its significance in preserving cultural traditions. Recognized as part of China's national intangible cultural heritage, the festival not only fosters community spirit but also attracts attention from those eager to experience authentic Tibetan customs.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
