New Year Celebrations Begin in Southern Xizang Ngari Prefecture

The festivities of Pulan New Year commenced in Pulan County, celebrating the deep-rooted agricultural traditions that reflect the local community's respect for nature and their hopes for prosperous harvests. This special day, marked by the first day of the eleventh month in the Tibetan calendar, is a cherished time for families and neighbors to come together.

Located in the scenic Ngari Prefecture of the Tibet Autonomous Region, Pulan County boasts an impressive average elevation of 3,900 meters. While winter blankets much of Ngari in snow, the milder climate found in the Pulan River valley provides a unique winter oasis for its inhabitants.

Zhou Wenqiang, a prominent member of the Xizang Xiangxiong Culture Academic Research Association, emphasizes that the Pulan New Year is steeped in significant cultural heritage, having been celebrated for over 1,500 years.

Kejia Village stands out as a focal point for the Pulan New Year celebrations, showcasing local cultural treasures such as the traditional peacock costume and the mesmerizing Drinking Peacock Dance.

The elaborate peacock costume worn by Pulan women is adorned with a headdress, earrings, necklaces, and other embellishments, with the prized gawu, a gem-inlaid amulet box, passed down through generations. Each element of these costumes represents rich cultural narratives and local heritage.

Inspired by the elegance and beauty of nature, the Drinking Peacock Dance features performers clad in outfits resembling peacock feathers, delicately mimicking the bird's graceful movements while holding wine cups. This dance beautifully encapsulates the community's appreciation for nature.

Pulan New Year is characterized by a diverse array of customs, such as whitewashing courtyard walls post-harvest, followed by families preparing traditional dishes like roasted highland barley flour. The availability of shopping has enhanced the range of New Year supplies in recent years.

A heartwarming aspect of the celebrations involves a tradition called mengcai. Children dress in new clothes and go door-to-door, singing traditional New Year songs in exchange for mayang, a term referring to sweets or lucky money.

In the evenings, villagers gather in the squares for the lively Guozhuang Dance, where all ages participate in simple rhythmic steps, promoting inclusivity and communal joy.

What truly sets Pulan New Year apart is its blend of time-honored traditions and warm community spirit. The joyful laughter of children, the happiness of family gatherings, and the pride in preserving local cultural heritage create a vibrant and lively atmosphere throughout this ancient land.