An act of kindness

People make traditional food "Kasai" for Tibetan New Year

Tibetan Buddhist monks perform to greet Tibetan New Year

The orphanage was founded in 1993 by Gyalzur Tendol, a Tibetan woman who had moved to Europe and trained as a medical assistant. Over the past two decades, the orphanage has provided a home in Lhasa to 108 orphans and children with only one parent. Some of the children have gone on to study medicine, reflecting the altruistic aspirations of the founder.

"I was fostered when I was only 5 years old, and I stayed in the orphanage until I was 18. I feel very pleased to be back for Losar celebrations," said Chimed Droma, 24.

"Best wishes to all our donors, Mrs Tsamjo and the nun Tashi Lhamo, and all our brothers and sisters in this big family - and may you all be happy and healthy in 2014," she said.

As the warm sunshine poured into the orphanage yard, the children gathered there for traditional circle dances, just one of many outdoor activities that Tibetans traditionally enjoy at this festive time.

"The Tibetan New Year festival traditionally lasts for 15 days, but nowadays it varies from three to seven days, and sometimes 15," Tsamjo said.

On the first day of Losar, most Tibetans in the Lhasa area make a pilgrimage to the Buddhist temples of Jokhang and Ramoche and to the Potala Palace.

In the coming two weeks, Tibetans will enjoy parties, exchange gifts and greetings, hold special Buddhist prayer sessions and racehorses on the grassy plains.

Tibetan historical records show that the tradition of Losar dates back to about 100 BC, the time of the ninth king of Tibet, Pude Gungyal.