KATHMANDU:- The Gurung community is celebrating Tamu Lhosar today, marking their New Year. In the Gurung language, ‘Lho’ refers to the year, while ‘Sar’ signifies change.
The festival is observed with feasts, cultural programs, and community gatherings. It falls on the 15th day of the Nepali month of Poush, with celebrations starting as the first sunlight touches Gurung settlements in Lamjung, Gorkha, Tanahun, Syangja, Manang, Kaski, and Parbat.
Other Himalayan communities observe their Lhosar at different times: the Tamang in Magh and the Sherpa in Falgun. The government has declared today a public holiday in honor of Tamu Lhosar. In Kathmandu, special celebrations are taking place at Tundikhel.
The Gurung calendar consists of 12 cycles, each represented by a different animal including the Garuda (eagle), serpent, horse, sheep, monkey, bird, dog, deer, mouse, cow, tiger, and cat. Each year, the community bids farewell to the outgoing animal cycle and welcomes the new one. This year, Gurungs are saying goodbye to the Snake cycle and ushering in the Year of the Horse.