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Tamu Lhosar is a new year festival celebrated by the Gurung people on every 15th Poush (December/January) of the Nepali calendar. It is observed as a public holiday.[1]

Similar to the Lhosars celebrated by other ethnic groups such as Tamangs and Sherpas, the Gurungs divide the years into 12 cycles, known as Lohokor, with each cycle represented by a different animal. These animals are the eagle, serpent, horse, sheep, monkey, bird, dog, deer, mouse, cow, tiger and cat.[2]

In Tamu kyi, the word Lhosar represents “new” (Lho) and “change” (Sar), with each of the 12 animals signifying a new Lho. The celebration of Lhosar signifies a farewell to the existing Lho to welcome the new one.[2][3]

Activities

Tamu Lhosar celebration

During the festival, prayer flags are placed on major Buddhist stupas such as Swayambhunath and Boudhanath, as well as on the roofs of people’s homes.[2] People dress up in traditional attire, with men wearing bhangra, a white apron and a kachhad, a Nepalese traditional white, wrap-around skirt reaching the thighs or knees.[4] Women wear ghalek and gunyo-cholo, a velvet blouse, and adorn gold ornaments such as earrings and semi-precious stone necklaces.[5] Traditional dances such as the Ghatu dance and Chudka are performed, alongside songs such as “Thado Bhaka”.[2]

Home-made Raksi is served during the festivities.[5]

See also

References

  1. ^ “Gurung Community Celebrates Tamu Lhosar, New Year”. SpotlightNepal. December 31, 2019. Archived from the original on May 9, 2021. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d Gurung, Sachitra (January 2018). “Tamu Lhosar, New Year of the Gurungs”. ECS Nepal. Archived from the original on September 13, 2024. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  3. ^ “Tamu Lhosar being marked today”. The Rising Nepal. December 30, 2024. Archived from the original on December 30, 2024. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  4. ^ “: Gurung Attire”. Tamu Pariwar NY. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
  5. ^ a b “Tamu Lhosar, Sonam, Gyalpo Losar 2020, Celebration Date”. Above The Himalaya. September 24, 2024. Archived from the original on September 24, 2024. Retrieved January 30, 2025.