Sonam Lhosar is a new year festival of the
Tamang and
Hyolmo people of
Nepal
Nepal (; ne, नेपाल ), formerly the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal ( ne,
सङ्घीय लोकतान्त्रिक गणतन्त्र नेपाल ), is a landlocked country in South Asia. It is mai ...
and the
Sikkim and
Darjeeling regions of India. It falls on the second new moon after the
winter solstice which is usually the
Magh ''Sukla Pratipada'' based on the eastern lunar calendar.
Years are associated with 12 different animals - Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat/Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Boar. Historically, the festival is celebrated after harvesting the crops.
Activities
In Sonam Lhosar the Tamang people visit monasteries and
stupas sacrifice themselves meanwhile special rituals with mask dance are performed to drive away evil spirits. The houses and surroundings are cleaned to welcome gods and goddesses.
Pork, chicken, mutton, fish, and sweet desserts are consumed in the Sonam Lhosar.
Khapsey Khapsey are cookies or biscuits in Tibetan cuisine that are deep fried and usually made during celebrations such as the Losar (Tibetan New Year) or weddings. Khapseys are fashioned into many different intricate shapes and textures. Some are sprinkle ...
and Babar (kind a like chapati but made of rice) and Thongsey are mainly eat in Hyolmo Community.
People wear traditional dresses and jewellery to participate in cultural events and exchange the greetings with each another.
Tamang Selo Tamang Selo ( Nepali: तामाङ सेलो) is a genre of Nepali folk song sung by the Tamang people of Nepal and is widely popular among the Nepali-speaking community in Nepal, in India, and around the world. It is usually accompanied by t ...
and the
Damphu is played in the festival for dance.
Syabru is commonly dance in Hyolmo Community.
See also
*
Gyalpo Lhosar, new year of Sherpa people
*
Tamu Lhosar
Tamu Lhosar is a new year festival of Gurung people of Nepal and Sikkim and Darjeeling regions of India. It is celebrated on every 15th Poush (December/January) of the Nepali calendar. Similar to other Lhosars, the Gurung people also represents t ...
, new year of Gurung people
*
Lhosar
Losar (; "new year"William D. Crump, "Losar" in ''Encyclopedia of New Year's Holidays Worldwide'' (McFarland & Co.: 2008), pp. 237-38.) also known as Tibetan New Year, is a festival in Tibetan Buddhism. The holiday is celebrated on various d ...
, new year of Tibet
References
External links
Photos
{{New Year by Calendar
Festivals in Nepal
New Year celebrations
Buddhist festivals in Nepal
Buddhist festivals in India
New Year in India
Tamang culture