Lhosar 2025 in Nepal

For all Tibetan-speaking people in Nepal, the Tibetan New Year is a major celebration lasting 15 days, with the main festivities occurring in the first three days. The festival is celebrated by Buddhist communities such as the Tamang, Sherpa, Gurung, and Thakali. It falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice, usually on Magh Sukla Pratipada according to the eastern lunar calendar. Historically, the festival marks the end of the harvest season, a time for thanksgiving and celebration.

Traditional Celebrations

During Sonam Losar, the first day features Changkol, a pastry and dried cheese dish. On the second and third days, folk dances are performed, and people visit temples for blessings. The Hyolmo people visit monasteries, perform mask dances, and clean their homes to welcome gods. Traditional foods like beef, pork, chicken, and sweet desserts are enjoyed, along with Khapsey, Babar, and Thongsey in the Hyolmo community. Participants wear traditional dress, exchange greetings, and enjoy dances like Tamang Selo, Damphu, and Syabru.

Tyles of Losar

In Nepal, several ethnic communities celebrate distinct types of Losar, marking the beginning of a new year with unique traditions. **Tamu Losar** is celebrated by the Gurung community, mainly in the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna regions, around mid-December or January. **Sonam Losar** is observed by the Tamang people, mostly in the Kathmandu Valley, in early February, and is known for its 15-day festivities with cultural rituals and feasts. **Gyalpo Losar**, celebrated by the Sherpa and other Himalayan communities, takes place in February, featuring traditional dances, rituals, and special foods like Guthuk soup. All three Losars emphasize family reunions, cultural pride, and the welcoming of a prosperous year ahead.

Lhosar at Tudikhel

In Kathmandu, there is a large Gurung community (also called Tamu) that celebrates the Sonam Lhosar Festival at Tudikhel. This vast grass field, located in the center of the Nepali capital, is often used for massive celebrations. Lhosar festivities in Tudikhel feature sports, competitions, traditional dances, songs, rallies, and picnics. People play damfu drums, an authentic instrument of the Tamu people. Ladies wear colorful traditional costumes and jewelry, and Tama men wear traditional wool jackets and hats.

Boudhanath

On the occasion of Lhosar, a huge celebration is also held at Boudhanath, one of the largest stupas in Nepal and Kathmandu Valley. It is located 7 mi(11 km) from the center of the Nepali capital. Thousands of devotees flock there to receive their New Year blessing.