Tibet Diary by Zhou Yun

May 20th, Friday

Today is my fourth day in Lhasa, a dream destination of many Chinese. I think I am lucky – not only because I had the opportunity to come here, but also because I have survived altitude sickness.

Though I have been here for a few days, today is the first time I have had the strength and energy to go strolling about. And a lucky coincidence for me, a strong festival atmosphere pervades the streets today. For it is Sagadawa Festival Day, the day that marks both the birthday of Sakyamuni and the day he died and attained nirvana.

On the streets, I see hundreds of thousands of people spinning prayer wheels while chanting Buddhist scripts. And many Tibetans are walking the traditional pilgrimage route that connects many of Lhasa's sacred sites, such as the Potola Palace and Jokhang.

It's not only a festival atmosphere that pervades the city, but also a thick cloud of smoke. Incense is lit everywhere. And I learn something new: a Tibetan staple food – roasted barley or "tsampa" – is also burned as an offering to Buddha.

Behind the Potala Palace is Dragon King Lake. Many Tibetans paddle boats in the lake to pray for abundant rain and a good harvest. During the festival, people refrain from killing animals. I see some people releasing ducks they bought at market into the lake.

Heading back toward my room, I pass by the Potala Palace. Lots of people are circling the palace and kowtowing every three steps. It's an amazing sight. I hear that some pious individuals have even been kowtowing every three steps since they left home. Wow!

(CRIENGLISH.com)

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