Meet Tsering Dondrup, an 18-year-old from Jiuhe Village, who’s stepping into the spotlight this year’s Wangguo Festival in Qonggyai County, Shannan, Xizang. On the first day of the festival, it’s tradition for each household to send a representative to \"circle the fields\", and Tsering is honored to carry this role.
Bright and early, with a little help from his mother, Tsering dons his traditional holiday costume and participates in a heartfelt departure ceremony. This ritual marks the beginning of his journey as he joins other young representatives to dance around the village fields, celebrating the ripening grains and the promise of a bountiful harvest.
The annual Wangguo Festival, observed from July 30 to August 3, is a grand celebration in Xizang's agricultural areas, surpassing even the Tibetan New Year in its significance. The term \"wangguo\" combines \"wang\", meaning crops, and \"guo\", meaning to circle around, symbolizing the community’s gratitude and hopes for a prosperous season.
Originating from the Yarlung Zangbo River valley, the festival has grown to be widely celebrated across the rural and forested regions of Xizang. Its rich traditions and vibrant celebrations have earned it a place on China's national list of intangible cultural heritage, preserving the unique cultural tapestry of the region for generations to come.
As Tsering dances through the fields, he embodies the spirit of his community, blending age-old customs with the youthful energy that keeps the Wangguo Festival alive and thriving. 🌾💃✨
