What is Lhosar?
ल्होसार
Lhosar is the new year of Nepal's Himalayan communities: Tamu for the Gurung, Sonam for the Tamang and Gyalpo for the Sherpa and Tibetan communities.
One word, three new years
Lhosar means new year. In Nepal it is kept by several Himalayan and hill communities, each with its own calendar and its own day: Tamu Lhosar by the Gurung, in Poush; Sonam Lhosar by the Tamang, in Magh; and Gyalpo Lhosar by the Sherpa and Tibetan communities, in Falgun.
Because there are three, Lhosar in an event listing can mean any of them. Check which community is hosting, and when.
How Lhosar is kept
The year opens at the monastery and at home. Families clean the house, hang fresh prayer flags, light butter lamps and make offerings at the altar, and many go to a gumba or stupa in the morning. Elders give a khada, a white silk scarf, as a blessing, and people greet each other with Tashi Delek or Lhosar ko shubhakamana.
Food is part of it: momo, khapse, the fried festival biscuits, and in many Tibetan and Sherpa households a hearty soup on the eve, with chhang for the adults. Songs and dance run through every Lhosar, and Tamang families dance the selo.
Lhosar away from home
Where Gurung, Tamang and Sherpa communities are large, they hold Lhosar programmes in community halls and monasteries on the weekend nearest the day. They are usually open to everyone. Arrive in time for the morning prayers, bring a khada if you have one to offer, dress for winter, and ask before photographing prayers or the altar.
Common questions
- Lhosar kahile ho? When is Lhosar 2027?
- It depends on the community. Tamu Lhosar falls in Poush, usually late December, Sonam Lhosar in Magh, and Gyalpo Lhosar in Falgun. The days are confirmed each year from the Nepal government calendar.
- What is the difference between Tamu, Sonam and Gyalpo Lhosar?
- They are the new years of three communities: Tamu for the Gurung, Sonam for the Tamang, and Gyalpo for the Sherpa and Tibetan communities. Each follows its own calendar and has its own customs.
- What is a khada?
- A khada is a white silk scarf offered as a blessing and a sign of respect. At Lhosar elders and monks place one around the neck of family and guests.
- What do you say on Lhosar?
- Tashi Delek is widely used for good luck and good wishes, and Lhosar ko shubhakamana works for anyone. Each community also has its own greeting.