Potala Palace in Lhasa, capital of Tibet Autonomous Region, the residence of Dalai Lamas since the seventh century, is being whitewashed for God-Descending Day on November 20.

Wangduo, deputy section chief of Potala Palace Administration, said the whitewashing, which began on October 29 -- the fourth day of the ninth month on the traditional Tibetan calendar -- was necessary because the outer walls of the palace became corroded during the rainy season this year.

"Though whitewashing is an annual event, the actual day to begin whitewashing each year is carefully chosen according to the traditional Tibetan calendar," said Wangduo.

According to Wangduo, the famous Red Palace, which contains the tomb stupas of generations of Dalai Lamas and various prayer halls, is painted with red soil and other red mineral-bearing materials, but the paint for the white walls is made of a kind of locally produced mineral mixed with milk, rock candy and white sugar.

Wangduo said that milk, rock candy and white sugar could help enhance the glutinous feature of the paint, while helping remove the unpleasant smell.

More than 100 people, who are all devout religious believers, are hired to do the whitewashing which is expected to be finished in about 20 days.

Tradition dictates that other lamaseries and civilian houses in Lhasa can be whitewashed only after Potala is whitewashed. The tradition is still strictly observed.

The Potala Palace was first built under the rein of Tibetan King Songtsa Gambo in the seventh century, during the Tang Dynasty (618-907).

(eastday.com November 10, 2003)