Jan.15, 2024 -- An imported products fair kicked off on Thursday in Lhasa, the capital of the Xizang autonomous region, featuring Sri Lanka black tea, Nepalese handicrafts, Bhutanese fabric, and Indian furniture.

 

The fair is hosted by Xizang Kakila Trading Company Ltd and runs from Jan 11 to 21 at the Gakyiling Plaza Shopping Mall, allowing locals to purchase exported goods to meet their New Year shopping needs.

 

This 11-day event has attracted over 70 companies, mainly from Nepal and Bhutan, presenting an extensive selection of imported goods from Nepal, Bhutan, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and more.

 

Not all Losar celebrations fall on the same day. The Tibetan Losar New Year in Lhasa matches this year's Chinese New Year, landing on Feb 10. Meanwhile, residents throughout Shigatse and a few other regional places began celebrating Sonam Losar, or Farming Losar, on Jan 12. The date of Losar can vary from region to region depending on altitude and harvest time. It's common for celebrations to begin weeks before.

 

 

The streets of Lhasa are alive with a festive atmosphere as some residents have already begun celebrations and others are preparing for celebrations soon to come.

 

Inside the bustling first floor of Gakyiling Plaza Shopping Mall, merchants sell various imported products, such as bronze sculptures, carpets, rugs, clothing, handicrafts, wooden containers, rice, and various nuts.

 

Sonam Jampel, the general manager of Xizang Kakila Trading Company Ltd, said that this time of year in Lhasa is a peak season for the sales of imported products. "Tibetan consumers have a special interest in Nepalese carpets and ornaments, as well as imported food items such as nuts."

 

Lhamo, a resident of Lhasa, enthusiastically perused the wide selection of imported goods on Thursday. Delighted with her purchases, she expressed her appreciation, saying, "I absolutely adore the handicrafts from Nepal and Bhutan. I am grateful to the organizers for providing such a fantastic platform."

 

"The festival offers a vast range of imported goods that are not only diverse but also reasonably priced."