Losar Festival (Losar New Year) 2025 in India

Losar is widely celebrated in the regions of India, bordering Tibet, Bhutan, and Nepal. It is the most important annual festival in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, which is often called a small Tibet.

When Is Losar Celebrated

The holiday, which dates back to the 15th century, usually lasts 15 days in January, February, or March, depending on the region observing the festival. India usually welcomes the Lunar New Year in February and March. The largest celebrations occur on the first three days of Losar.

Festival Customs

Colorful traditions include masked dancers, fire processions, music, and the reenactment of the battle between the good and the evil dating back to the times of Ladakh King Jamyang Namgyal. The highlights of Ladakhi Losar include “Metho” processions, featuring people with burning torches that parade the streets of towns and villages to scare off bad spirits and welcome a new beginning.

On the first day, known as ‘Lama Losar’ or ‘the Festival of the Guru’, people gather at the temples to to say their prayers and make offerings to Dalai Lama. On the second day, devotees tend to gather together at the family home and eat traditional foods, such as tsampa and qemar. The third day brings a new whirlwind of festivities, with people visiting local churches again.

Places to Celebrate Losar

One of the largest Losar celebrations takes place in Leh, which is home to quite a few gompas or Buddhist monasteries. Leh main market is the epicenter of mass festivities with live music, traditional dances, and merrymaking. The oldest region of Alchi Gompa is located within one hour's drive from Leh and is another great place to witness Losar traditions. It has several large Buddha statues and unique paintings. Another good idea is to visit the mountainous Lamayuru Monastery, which can be reached via the Srinagar-Leh highway. This ancient monastery is home to about 150 monks and is known for its masked dance.