Ancient observatory in Xizang marks spring sowing season with rituals

The ancient tradition of watching the night sky to guide farming resumed on Thursday in Maldrogungkar county in Lhasa, Xizang autonomous region, as locals gathered at the Dakpo Observatory to mark the start of the spring sowing season with rituals and celebrations.

Thursday corresponds to the 21st day of the Tibetan calendar's first month. Farmers and herders, dressed in festive attire, brought symbolic offerings of butter tea and ceremonial chemar, a grain-filled vessel symbolizing prosperity.

Together, they welcomed the day with rituals that date back more than 300 years. The first beam of sunlight pierced through a carefully aligned aperture at the observatory, directly illuminating the calibrated stone for measuring light.

This ancient method signaled the commencement of spring sowing and irrigation in Xizang's central agricultural regions. Rooted in the harmony of nature and humanity, this astronomy practice provides farmers with an indispensable guide for spring farming.

The event included science lectures, performances, and free medical consultations, creating a lively and joyous atmosphere.

"The Dakpo platform is the sole operational astronomy observatory of its kind in the region and boasts over three centuries of history," Dorje, assistant researcher at the Xizang Institute of Astronomy and Calendrical Calculation, was quoted as saying by China News Service.

"Serving as a cornerstone of Xizang's unique astronomical and calendrical culture, the observatory integrates observation, calculation, and temporal guidance," said Dorje. The researcher is also the secretary-general of the Xizang Astronomy and Calendar Society.

Beyond determining spring planting times, the observatory's functions extend to calculating solar terms, monitoring seasonal patterns, and even aiding in weather predictions, he said. "Its invaluable contributions to agriculture and cultural continuity underscore its enduring significance."