Feb. 22nd is the first day of the Tibetan New Year, or Losar. It’s the beginning of three days filled with excitement, elation, and merry making. CCTV reporter Tang Bo is in Lhasa and takes a look at how people there are celebrating.

Welcoming the New Year, Tibetan-style - Today is the first day of Losar. Here, in Zongjiaolukang Park under the Potala Palace, singers, dancers, and comedians from the Tibet Chorus are entertaining the people of Lhasa with authentic artistry.

 
Feb. 22nd is the first day of the Tibetan New Year, or Losar. It's the beginning of three days filled with excitement, elation, and merry making. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

Gesang Duoji, a student, said, “My parents and I came to the park this morning, and we heard the music, so we came here to watch the show. The performances are great, I like them, and we are very happy to be here.”

Besides the locals, visitors from far away are also fascinated. Li Zhenheng, a tourist, said, "The show is very special, it is my first time to experience the Tibetan New Year, it is quite different from ours."

The big party features singing, dancing, traditional Tibetan comedy, and some very special rituals to greet the New Year.

One of the entertainers, Danzeng, is eager to extend his New Year greetings to all Tibetans.

Danzeng, a performer, said, "I am going to sing a Tibetan song--An Auspicious New Year. It’s an old song, but it means a lot for me to sing it since today is the first day of a happy water dragon year."

Feb. 22nd is the first day of the Tibetan New Year, or Losar. It's the beginning of three days filled with excitement, elation, and merry making. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

The New Year, also known as Losar, is the most important festival on the Tibetan Calendar. The festive season lasts 15 days, with the main celebrations on the first three days.

People usually stay at home on New Year’s Day, but now more and more people, especially younger ones, are coming out to celebrate.