The Tibetan New Year has entered its second day. Thousands of people are celebrating at Potala Palace Square in Lhasa - capital of the Tibetan Autonomous Region - dancing hand in hand, and making wishes for a better life ahead.

The Tibetan New Year has entered its second day. Thousands of people are celebrating at Potala Palace Square in Lhasa - capital of the Tibetan Autonomous Region - dancing hand in hand, and making wishes for a better life ahead.

Under the theme of Happy Lhasa - 5000 Tibetans dance away at Potala square, dressed in fine clothes and with smiles as wide as the horizon on their faces, celebrating the New Year.

Officials from the regional government and party committee are also joining in. It's only the second day of the Tibetan New Year, but the happiness extends to the whole year ahead.

A performer said, "I am very happy to be here today to dance with everyone. It is my first time to dance with so many people, I am very excited. Wish everyone a happy Tibetan Water Dragon Year."

These performers have no professional singing and dancing experiences, so Extra efforts have been made by the municipal government of Lhasa to prepare them.

Since early January, they have been training for 3 hours after work each day. But this has not dampened their spirits

A performer said, "It has been one month since the beginning of the training. I am very happy to be able to participate in the performances, and I am very grateful for that. And I want to take the chance to say Happy Losar to all Tibetans."

Organized by the region's Culture Bureau, the dancing is more than for welcoming in the New Year. It is also a call for a healthy way of life and stronger social cohesion. Joining hands in circles, people are looking forward to a better future.