Kathmandu, February 28
The Sherpa community in the Kathmandu Valley celebrated the 2152nd Gyalpo Losar, the Tibetan New Year, with various programs today. Observed annually on the first day of the waxing moon in the month of Falgun, Gyalpo Losar marks the beginning of the Sherpa New Year.
Dressed in traditional attire, members of the Sherpa community gathered at Boudhanath to celebrate the cultural festival with enthusiasm. The Sherpa community observes Gyalpo Losar with celebrations lasting from the first day of the waxing moon until the full moon, featuring various cultural events.
The festival traces its origins to the reign of the ninth Tibetan king, Ude Gungyal, when it was first observed as a spring festival. Researchers note that different groups within the Sherpa community pronounce the festival’s name as either “Gyalpo” or “Gyalbo” Losar.
The Sherpa calendar divides Gyalpo Losar into a 12-year cycle, each year named after an animal: Mouse, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Bird, Dog, and Boar. Previously celebrated in 12 Himalayan districts, the festival is now observed in 22 districts, expanding due to Sherpa migration.
Earlier this year, the Gurung community celebrated Tamu Losar on December 30, while the Tamang community marked Sonam Losar on the first day of the waxing moon in Magh.
