I am Lama Toranba Ripa from Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province. This year, my family celebrated the Spring Festival and Tibetan New Year in the pasturing area of my hometown.

My mother and sister-in-law cooked a lot of delicious food, including yak meat, mutton, and Tibetan steamed stuffed buns.

On Chinese New Year’s Eve, my families gathered together and made yak meat buns. Eating hot and round Tibetan steamed stuffed bun means that 56 ethnic groups gather together and are reunited.

After New Year’s Eve dinner, we set off firecrackers, watched fireworks, and played a traditional Tibetan game called knee cap of sheep.

My brothers watched the horse racing together, a traditional sports activity in the pasturing area held every year. Equestrian sports stand for auspiciousness, courage, and wisdom on the plateau. My family wishes you good luck in the Year of the Dragon, a prosperous country and people at peace, and all the best. Tashi Delek!