Loshar is one of the most important and meaningful festivals of Nepal, especially for people living in the Himalayan and hilly regions. Loshar marks the New Year according to the lunar calendar and is a time of new beginnings, happiness, prayers, and togetherness. The festival reflects the deep connection between nature, culture, and daily life of Himalayan communities. Loshar is mainly celebrated by ethnic groups such as Gurung, Tamang, Sherpa, and Tibetanorigin communities. Although the name is the same, Loshar is celebrated on different dates and in different ways depending on the community.
Three Types of Loshar There are three main types of Loshar celebrated in Nepal:
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Tamu Loshar (Gurung New Year)
Tamu Loshar is celebrated by the Gurung community. It usually falls in December or early January. This festival marks the beginning of the Gurung New Year. On this day, people wake up early, clean their homes, and wear beautiful traditional Gurung dresses. Cultural programs, folk songs, and traditional dances are performed in villages and towns. Families gather together, elders give blessings, and younger people show respect. Tamu Loshar is a joyful time filled with music, food, and unity.
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Sonam Loshar (Tamang New Year)
Sonam Loshar is celebrated by the Tamang community. It usually falls in January or February, mostly on the full moon day.Before Sonam Loshar, people clean their houses to remove negativity and welcome good luck.On the festival day, families visit monasteries and stupas, light butter lamps, and offer prayers for peace and prosperity. People wear traditional Tamang clothing and enjoy cultural dances like Selo. Sonam Loshar is a time to thank nature, remember ancestors, and start the New Year with positive thoughts.
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Gyalpo Loshar (Sherpa and Tibetan New Year)
Gyalpo Loshar is celebrated by the Sherpa and Tibetan communities and is the most widely known Loshar. It usually falls in February or March and is celebrated for several days. The celebration begins with house cleaning and preparation of special foods. Monasteries hold special prayers, mask dances, and rituals. Colorful prayer flags are raised, and people visit family and neighbors to exchange greetings. Gyalpo Loshar has strong spiritual importance and shows the deep Buddhist traditions of Himalayan people.
Loshar is celebrated to welcome the New Year, thank nature for past blessings, and pray for a healthy, peaceful, and successful year ahead. It is also a time to leave behind past worries and begin again with hope and happiness. Loshar is special because it represents the identity, culture, and traditions of Himalayan communities. It brings families together, strengthens community bonds, and helps pass traditions to younger generations. Despite modern changes, Loshar keeps ancient customs alive.
Life of Himalayan People During Loshar
People living in the Himalayas have a simple and close-to-nature lifestyle. During Loshar, villages become lively with decorations, music, and gatherings. Respect for elders, community harmony, and spiritual practices are very important parts of the celebration.
Traditional Foods and Customs
Special foods are prepared during Loshar, such as:
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Khapsey (fried bread in different shapes)
Momo (dumplings)
Guthuk (traditional soup during Gyalpo Loshar)
Butter tea and local drinks
Families eat together, share food with neighbors, and welcome guests with warm hospitality.Loshar is more than just a festival. It is a celebration of culture, faith, family, and life in the Himalayas. Through Loshar, Nepal shows its rich cultural diversity and the beautiful traditions of its mountain communities.
