Sonam Lhosar being observed today

Sonam Lhosar never fails to deliver an attractive parade of cultural dances, custom, and tradition during the celebration at various places in Kathmandu

The 2149th Sonam Lhosar is being observed across the country today by people of the Tamang and Yolmo community. The festival is celebrated to mark the beginning of a new year according to the eastern lunar calendar. The name, ‘Lho’ and ‘Sar’ itself means the new year or fresh start if translated, and the word ‘Sonam’ is referred to the Tamang people in Nepal, thus the name ‘Sonam Lhosar’. Historically, people of the Tamang and Yolmo communities began celebrating the harvest of crops and agriculture. As ‘Sonam' translates to agriculture and ‘Lhosar' translates to ‘beginning of a new era’ in Tamang language, the tradition came to be known as Sonam Lhosar. 

The Sonam Lhosar festival is celebrated for two weeks in overall between December and January every year (of which only one day is the main). During this festival, people make it a point to keep the houses and vicinity clean and a routine pooja is conducted by worshipping Buddha. The Lama and gurus gather, and dances are performed in the Tamang community. 

Monasteries are attractively adorned with colourful decorative items, especially if you make a round of the main stupas of Kathmandu Valley- Boudhanath and Swayambunath Stupa. People take blessings from monks for their progress, prosperity, and happiness. The events are followed by extensive feasts in houses.

In Kathmandu Valley, this day is usually marked by organizing several cultural programmes followed by several variegated food stalls and playwork for children. Similarly, a rally used to be taken out in the Tundikhel area where the people exhibited their culture and their customs in the public sphere. Special delicacies like pigs, duck, chicken, and sweet desserts are also extensively prepared for the family gathering. Musical programs are also performed with Tamang Selo and Damfu (A traditional musical drum). However, with the ongoing restrictions mass gatherings are prohibited. Nevertheless, communities can have fiestas and fun with limited people, and take enjoyment in this festival sharing and preserving their centuries-long culture and tradition.