Photo shows the Potala Palace in Lhasa, capital of Tibet. (CRI online Photo) Even questions that surrounded cultural issues invariably were answered-at least in part-with unspoken acknowledgement that the TAR economy was the critical mission. And while economic development in today's modern China is the mantra by which the government operates, it was interesting to hear this same theory being expounded at virtually every turn in a land that has been viewed predominantly both by foreigners and many Chinese as a Mecca of cultural heritage and little else. And while I can find little fault in the argument that-if done properly-economic development will bring about a better society and life for the people of Tibet, I couldn't help but muse about how the TAR administration's policies mirrored those of every other administrative body's goals in this country. Not the laid-back approach one might expect from an agrarian people, who for centuries, have been geographically isolated from the rest of the world.
And that leads to today (Thursday), and the beginning of OUR mission, which is to explore the border regions of Tibet. But before we departed on our 5 hour journey to Shigatse, a community 270 kilometers Southwest of Lhasa, a handful of us on the tour were tapped to observe the opening ceremony of the 'Yogurt Festival.' Essentially the equivalent of the Spring Festival for the Han Chinese culture or Christmas for the Christian culture, the Yogurt Festival is the most important celebration on the Tibetan calendar.
Originally the festival was meant to honor the Buddhist monks who, after 2 lunar months of seclusion in their temples or monasteries, would emerge and receive offerings of yogurt from the local people in return for their blessings. And much like Spring Festival or Christmas, the Yogurt Festival over the years has transformed from an exclusively religious rite to a more secular event, with elaborate dances and other performances and games becoming part of what is now a 7 day holiday for many in Tibet. And again, even during the opening ceremony held in Potala Square, with the Palace as an awe-inspiring backdrop, the Mayor of Lhasa, as part of his opening remarks, felt compelled to point out the GDP growth and increase in tourism his city has achieved over the last 6 months.
As I write this, we are now snaking our way along the two-lane stretch of highway connecting Shigatse with Lhasa. And as we approach the imposing peaks which form the barrier between the Lhasa area and the world beyond, I can't help but wonder if the economic development mantra that appears to be chanted quite heavily in the capital will be heard in the same tones and abundance beyond the jagged, snow peaked caps.
Source: CRI online【1】 【2】
http://chinatibet.people.com.cn/96067/6738472.pdf
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