Tibetan New Year: Gutor celebrations kick festivities into high gear

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02:45

Locals in southwestern China's Tibet are ready to welcome their traditional New Year, which also falls on Tuesday. But before that, the celebration of Gutor just two days ahead of New Year's Day is about driving out negativity and bad luck of the past year. CGTN's Meng Qingsheng joins a Tibetan family on the outskirts of Lhasa to find out more.

Gutor celebrations start shortly after sunset in Lin'a village in eastern Lhasa. Locals carry torches, to drive out evil spirits and all misfortunes of the year. Soon, the neighborhood is lit up with fireworks, heralding the start of the Tibetan New Year. And the children are quick getting into the holiday spirit.

TENZIN NORDRON LIN'A RESIDENT "I enjoyed setting off fireworks and playing games together with my friends on the day of Gutor. It's also a great fun to enjoy Guthuk soup and have drinks with my family."

We join Phurbu's family in observing the tradition. They are preparing a special soup called Guthuk for the occasion. The family stuff dough balls with different ingredients, which are supposed to tell fortune in the new year. And peas inside this dough ball indicate a busy and hard year ahead. What about mine?

MENG QINGSHENG LHASA, TIBET AUTONOMOUS REGION "Let's check out what's inside for me. It looks like wool. It means I need to travel a lot in the new year. I like it."

The Tibetan New Year offers an opportunity for family reunions. But this time, not for Phurbu's family. His son is serving in the military and can't join the celebration.

PHURBU TASHI LIN'A RESIDENT "This year, we choose to celebrate Gutor with our neighbors. It's always good to share this happy moment with more people. I enjoy the festive atmosphere."

With all the neighbors coming together, the real celebration for Gutor starts. They greet each other with Tashi Delek for a lucky new year. For some, however, it's not easy to unwind.

TENZIN LIN'A RESIDENT "When I was young, I was so excited to celebrate the new year. But now, I'm feeling the pressure of being a grownup, as I need to find a job soon after my graduation."

The Tibetan New Year's holiday lasts three days, with fully packed activities including celebrations and religious ceremonies, all geared up for an auspicious new start.

Meng Qingsheng, CGTN, Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region.