Tamu Lhosar today, a public holiday

KATHMANDU: The Gurung community is celebrating the ‘Tamu Lhosar’ festival today.

Since ‘Lho’ means year and ‘Saar’ means change, the day on which the year changes is called ‘Tamu Lhosar’.

Amidst vibrant cultural festivities, the Gurung community joyously celebrated Tamu Lhosar, marking the beginning of the Gurung New Year.

Tamu Lhosar is a significant occasion for the Gurung people, one of the indigenous communities of Nepal, and it is observed with traditional rituals, feasts, and various cultural events.

The festivities commenced with traditional rituals performed by Gurung families and community leaders, seeking blessings for the New Year. People adorned in traditional Gurung attire gathered in local Gurung settlements, adding a burst of color and cultural richness to the celebrations.

A major highlight of Tamu Lhosar was the cultural parade that paraded through the streets, featuring traditional Gurung dances, music, and vibrant displays of their unique cultural heritage. The beats of traditional instruments resonated through the air as dancers moved gracefully, depicting the rich cultural history of the Gurung community.

Delicious traditional Gurung cuisine were served during communal feasts, bringing together families and community members. Special dishes such as “Sel Roti,” “Gundruk,” and “Bara” were prepared to add a distinctive flavor to the celebrations.

Community elders and leaders took the opportunity to address the gathering, emphasizing the importance of preserving and promoting Gurung culture and traditions. They highlighted the resilience of the Gurung community and expressed hopes for prosperity and unity in the coming year.

In addition to the traditional celebrations, cultural programs, and feasts, many Gurung households also lit oil lamps and candles, symbolizing the dispelling of darkness and the ushering in of a new and bright beginning.

Tamu Lhosar not only serves as a time for joyous celebrations but also fosters a sense of unity and cultural pride among the Gurung community.

The government has declared a public holiday today on the occasion of Tamu Lhosar.