LOSAR FESTIVITIES IN THE AMDO VALLEY , TIBET

Losar, the Tibetan New Year is the most important celebration in the Amdo Valley. It is a time of renewal, a time to cleanse the old year and welcome good fortune for the year to come. During Losar the many monasteries spread throughout the region become the heart of days-long celebrations with monks parading, ancient chants, masked performances, offerings, food, family gatherings, children running around and an overall festive atmosphere. the Losar is not only a deeply spiritual event but also a very human one. it is a chance for families to wear their fines traditional clothes, often layers with bright colors and intricate patterns, to share tea, laughter and the warmth of family reunions all while attending hours long theater-like performances in the courtyards of the monasteries. it is also a time for families to show off their finest horses and very decorative tacks as a way to reflect both craftsmanship and status. For many families horses are tied to lineage, and the rhythm of seasonal life.

A young buddhist monks in Amdo Valley, Tibet performing a traditional outdoor ceremony with long brass horns and yellow ceremonial hats during Losar in a monastery’s courtyard.
Rows of traditional butter lamps with flickering flames glowing inside a Tibetan temple, with reflections of a buddhist monk through the glass.
Close-up of a Tibetan elder woman drinking from a steaming hot bowl of chai during a shared cultural gathering inside a monastery the Amdo Valley.
Close-up of a hand lighting rows of votive butter lamps in a Tibetan monastery the Amdo Valley, glowing with warm golden light.
Close-up of a woman’s bare feet resting on a patterned cushion inside a Tibetan monastery in the Amdo valley, emphasizing texture, ritual and devotion.
Group of Tibetan monks in deep red robes walking through a monastery courtyard in Amdo, Tibet.
Traditional Losar horse ceremony in Amdo Valley, Tibet with decorated horses, in colorful and precious saddles parading outside a buddhist monastery.
Tibetan horse riders in colorful traditional attire during cultural festival in the Amdo Valley, Tibet.
Portrait of an elder from Amdo valley, Tibet wearing richly embroidered traditional clothing and a fur-trimmed hat.
Close up portrait of young female buddhist monk from Amdo Valley, Tibet wrapped in traditional red and orange robes.

OTHER GALLERIES