Sonam Lhosar

Sonam Lhosar is celebrated by Tamang community as the new year. The word Lhosar means New Year, Lho means year and Sar means new. Tamang community is the native people of Nepal. They have their own culture and language just like other ethnic groups of Nepal. Sonam Lhosar falls on the first full moon of the month Magh in Nepali Calendar and early January to mid-February in English calendar. So, the day of Sonam Lhosar is different every year.

Sonam Lhosar is celebrated by visiting monasteries, Stupas and Chaityas in their traditional costumes where special rituals with mask dance are
performed to drive away evil spirits. On this day Tamang people keep their houses and surroundings clean and decorate their houses to welcome gods, goddesses and positive energy. Windows and doors are decorated for “good fortune” or “happiness”, “wealth”, and “longevity”. They also buy new clothes and wear them on New Year’s Day. People and families gather together for a festive dinner, where pork, duck, chicken, mutton, fish and various sweet desserts are served.

On this day, people also gather in Tudikhel(public ground in Kathmandu) in their traditional costumes to celebrate the new year. In Tudikhel a lot of events like dramas, contents, musical programs, food festivals, Lok Dohori competitions are observed.

Musical programs are also observed on this day. Tamang community is very
famous for their music. “Damfu” is the traditional instrument of Tamang. It is a small and round instrument. This instrument is covered with goat’s skin on one side. 32 small bamboo sticks are used in its construction. Tamang Selo is one of the most popular music in Nepal. These songs are famous for being humorous and also for expressing the “deep philosophical meaning”.

Sonam Lhosar brings lots of joys and happiness, it also unifies the people of other communities with Tamang community.