西藏布达拉宫已换“甜蜜新装”迎接“降神节”

十月中旬，世界非遗西藏布达拉宫迎来一年一度粉刷季，按照惯例，每年粉刷将在藏历9月22日（本年度公历11月4日）“降神节”前完成。

The Potala Palace, a UNESCO world heritage site, began its annual whitewash painting project in mid-October, and the work was completed in about one week, according to the palace's management office.

布达拉宫位于西藏自治区首府拉萨市中心，是这座城市的标志性建筑。它最初由吐蕃王朝松赞干布于7世纪建造，17世纪在五世达赖喇嘛及其摄政王第司·桑结嘉措的指导下进行了大规模扩建工程。在过去的几十年里，中央政府投资巨额定期对其进行修旧如旧修缮保护。

Located in the heart of Lhasa, capital of the Tibet autonomous region, the Potala Palace is a landmark. It was built in the seventh century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, and underwent a large expansion project under the direction of the fifth Dalai Lama and his regent Desi Sangye Gyatso in the 17th century. It has been regularly renovated by the central government in the last few decades thanks to heavy investment.

摄影/达穷

西藏已入深秋，早晚的空气已带有一丝寒意。

The region has entered late autumn, and there is already a hint of chill in the air in the morning and evening.

上午8点左右， 很多信教群众和工作人员身穿大褂、携带水桶和其他粉刷工具在布达拉宫西侧入口处排起长队，纷纷加入到粉刷布达拉宫外墙的工作中。对他们来说，参与到布达拉宫的粉刷是一种荣誉。

At around 8 am, hundreds of residents queued up to take part in the painting at the entrances of the palace carrying buckets and other painting materials. They consider their involvement in the painting to be an honor.

摄影/华旦尼玛

每年雨季过后，为使经过一年日晒雨淋的红墙白壁保持鲜亮光彩，在藏历九月“降神节”到来之前，布达拉宫外墙都要进行粉刷“美容”，很多当地民众自发带着工具来到布达拉宫做粉刷志愿者。

Every year after the rainy season, around the ninth month according to the Tibetan calendar, the palace carries out its annual facelift painting project, and many locals gather to be volunteers.

摄影/达穷

据当地人介绍，过去布达拉宫的粉刷工作会持续一个月左右，但如今随着科技的进步和社会快速发展，整个粉刷工作一般会在一周内完工。

According to locals, in the past, painting the Potala Palace would take about a month. However, with the progress of technology and rapid social development, the work is usually completed within a week.

摄影/达穷

达瓦来自西藏浪卡子县，他是一位热情的参与者。达瓦说粉刷期间工作人员将稀释的白土中加入适当比例的牛奶、蜂蜜、藏红花、皮胶、白砂糖等材料混合。

Dawa, an enthusiastic participant, said the painters craft a paint-like mixture using locally-sourced white clay, pure milk, white sugar, and honey. 

摄影/达穷

经过滤后对布宫墙体进行喷涂，人力难以抵达的地方由专业人员悬吊喷洒涂料，将这座宏伟宫殿的墙体粉刷一新。

After filtration, they spray the mixture onto the walls of the palace. For hard-to-reach areas, professional workers spray the paint from the air, giving this magnificent palace a fresh coat of paint.

摄影/达穷

今年57岁的达瓦说：“今天是我参加此次活动的第二天，过去20多年，我每年都会来参与到布达拉宫的年度粉刷工作中。”

"Today is the second day I have joined the activity this time, and I have been taking part in the annual paintings of the palace for more than 20 years," said the 57-year-old.

“我觉得布达拉宫是非常宝贵的文化遗产，我因能成为粉刷团队的一份子感到很自豪。”达瓦说。

"I consider the palace to be a very valuable heritage, and I feel obligated and I am proud to be part of the painting team," he added.

摄影/达穷

卓拉和罗增卓玛也自愿参与到粉刷的行列中了，他们说，为了能参与到粉刷布达拉宫的队伍中，他们从粉刷头一天就来排队等候加入。

卓拉说，“我们排了很长时间的队，但可惜第一天没能进去，今天我们一大早起来就来排队粉刷，这次我们运气真好。”

摄影/华旦尼玛

“能够参与到粉刷中，我们从内心深处感到无比的高兴，虽然头一天排队失败后感到有点失落。” 罗增卓玛说。

摄影/达穷

据悉，布达拉宫每年一次的粉刷活动，除了美观，还有保护建筑本身的作用，因为雨季过后，经过雨水冲刷的外墙表面泥层得到增补。

It is said that the annual painting project of the Potala Palace not only refreshes the outer look of the ancient architecture, but also protects the building itself. After the rainy season, the mud layer on the exterior wall surface that has been washed away by rainwater is supplemented by the makeover.

记者：华旦尼玛