What's spring plowing like on the "Roof of the World"?
A villager plows field with cattle in Gyangze County of Xigaze, SW. China's Tibet Autonomous Region on March 16 2016.
Farming on the "Roof of the World" involves not only ploughs and hoes but also prayers. As farming at such a high altitude on the Tibetan plateau has never been easy, people need a special ritual to pray for a good harvest when they begin spring plowing.
Dressed in traditional costume, villagers in Gyangze County of Xigaze, an area known for its abundant fertile land, kicked off their new farming season on Wednesday with a prayer ritual after months of winter fallow.
Villagers cast zanba on the field for good harvest in Gyangze County of Xigaze, SW. China's Tibet Autonomous Region on March 16 2016.
A villager plows field with cattle in Gyangze County of Xigaze, SW. China's Tibet Autonomous Region on March 16 2016.
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It's a very important day for Tibetans, perhaps only next to the Tibetan new year. The date of the ritual was preset according to the ancient calendar. So were the participants -- People born in the Year of the Monkey were selected to be the first to plow the land as the Fire Monkey marks the Tibetan zodiac sign this year.
Seeds were sowed following the plowing. People here plant mainly highland barley, wheat and pea.
A villager presents barley wine for good harvest in Gyangze County of Xigaze, SW. China's Tibet Autonomous Region on March 16 2016.
A villager in traditional dress dance for good harvest in Gyangze County of Xigaze, SW. China's Tibet Autonomous Region on March 16 2016.
At the ceremony, barley wine were offered, first to the land, and then people could enjoy it. Hadas, or white silk scarfs as a symbol of respect and bless, were also presented at the ceremony with butter sculptures.
Villagers plow field with cattle in Gyangze County of Xigaze, SW. China's Tibet Autonomous Region on March 16 2016.
Gyangze is one of the places where the traditional farming rituals have been well preserved when tractors are taking the place of cattle.
Farmers would sing and dance hand in hand after the ceremony. They also drink to celebrate the annual occasion.
Photos by Phurbu Tashi (C, with remote control), a Tibetan photographer with Xinhua News Agency's Lhasa office. He has traveled to almost every corner of Tibet over the past 10 years.