August is the most fascinating season in northern Tibet with pleasant climate, lush grass and plenty of water. Horses are strong and fat at this time of year. When we made our investigation in Amdo County, the once-a-year horse race meeting took place. The horse race festival is also called "Summer Entertainrnent", a time-honored traditional festival in the pastoral areas of northern Tibet. In tribal times, baffle was common for herdsmen. Horse race combines military drill with entertainment, so it was, and still is, popular among herdsmen. Yet, though it is called race meeting, the priority is not the race itself, but worshipping holy mountains.
The ritual of worshipping holy mountains is popular in Tibet and neighboring areas, yet it means more to herdsmen than to any other people in other places. Holy mountains represent gods who protect them in this life. Locals call them "xida", meaning "local gods". They help to resist invaders and bless people and animals. Through worshipping them, the interior strength of a group of