Lhosar (or Losar) means ‘New year’. It is
celebrated by Buddhist people from different parts of Nepal. Different
communities celebrate Lhosar at different times of the year.
Because of this, there are three Lhosar
festivals- Tamu Lhosar, Sonam Lhosar, and Gyalbo Lhosar. Tamu or the Tola
Lhosar is celebrated by the Gurung community, Sonam Lhosar is celebrated by the
Tamang and Yolmo communities, whereas Gyalbo Lhosar is the festival of the
Sherpa and Tibetan communities living in the hilly terrain.
Lhosar is celebrated with family feasting,
dancing, and gatherings. On this special day, Buddhists read prayers,
decorating houses and monasteries, offer special foods to different deities and
other cultural proceedings.