The Tibetan New Year, also known as Losar, is the most important festival in the Tibetan calendar. It is celebrated over a period of two weeks, and this year's celebration began on January 12.

In Shigatse, the Gongga family is busy preparing wines and food for relatives and friends. Local officials also sent their best wishes with rice and flour. The guests were greeted with white Khatag and received a warm welcome from Gongga family.

The Gongga family has three sons and one daughter. The second son Pasang Tashi is the only high school student in the village, and he will participate in the college entrance exam this year.

Tian Shixin, a local official, said, "If you pass the exam, all of us will support you. We can sponsor you."

Pasang Tashi studies very hard, and his score is always among the top ten in his class, where there are more than 70 students.

"I'm very thankful to my family. They worked hard and paid my tuition fee. The only way I can pay them back is by entering a good universit," Pasang Tashi said.

As night falls, villagers whirl burning torches to drive away evil spirits and dance together. Losar is celebrated for 15 days, with the main celebrations on the first three days. It occurs near the Chinese New Year, but the traditions of Losar are unique to Tibet.

(CNTV.cn January 15, 2013)