Sonam Lhosar is an important festival celebrated as an occasion of the start of a new year, by the Tamang community people in Nepal. 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’.
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, the day is usually marked by organizing several cultural programmes followed by several variegated food stalls and playwork for children. Similarly, a rally is taken out in the Tundikhel area where Tamangs exhibit their culture and their customs in the public sphere. Special food 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). Tamang people have fiestas and fun, and take ultimate enjoyment in this festival sharing and preserving their centuries-long culture and tradition.
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