InXizang | "Gutu Eve" observed with warmth and joy ahead of the Tibetan New Year in Burang

BURANG, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- Two days ahead of the Tibetan New Year is the traditional "Gutu Eve" for families to have a feast of "gutu," a traditional soup dish made of flour, at home. "Gu" in Tibetan means nine, which is a lucky number. "Tu" means "pasta." Nine different fillings like wool, charcoal and chili are placed inside the dough drops, and each of these fillings has a meaning. While in Burang, "Gutu" is a sort of porridge with nine ingredients and also a distinctive dish on the dinner table of the "Gutu Eve."

In Khorchak Village of Burang County, Jamyang Drolma's family is bustling with New Year preparations at home. A pot of "Gutu" steams on the stove, while the "chema," a two-tier rectangular wooden box containing roasted barley and fried wheat grain, is placed to pray for bountiful harvest in the next year. This year, the family rejoiced over a bumper harvest of highland barley and peas. "Life is getting better and better, and our New Year celebrations are becoming more lively each year," Jamyang Drolma said with a smile.