Marching in the Year of the Ox

KATHMANDU, Jan 27: A fusion of color, music and dance filled the heart of Kathmandu as members of the Tamang community --- in their hundreds --- marched in the streets to celebrate Sonam Lhochhar and usher in the Year of the Ox. [break]






Revelers started the march from Ratnapark and made their way through Bag Bazar and Bhrikutimandap before finally ending at Tundikhel where many others from different ethnic communities were also gathered for the occasion.



The festival symbolizes the arrival of the New Year, the 2845th, which has the name Lang Lhochhar this year. Lho means year and Chhar means new. In celebration of the festival, based on the lunar calendar, the government has declared a public holiday.






“This celebration brings together the Tamang community through song, food and dance,” student Hari Wagle said.



The 24-year-old eagerly explained the various banners, a mishmash of colors from blue to red, carried by the marchers and how they represented the diverse groups within the Tamang community.



Another student, Jitman Lama, explained the three kinds of Lhochhar: Sonam, Tomu and Ghyalba.



While the Tamang and Sherpa communities celebrates Sonam and Ghaylba Lhochhar, the Gurungs celebrates Tomu Lhochhar, said the English Literature graduate from Bhaktapur Multiple College.



During the march, members of the Tamang community were decked out in their traditional costumes, adding exuberance and life to the festivities. The men wore either Bakkhu or Khanjip with the Tagi for headgear.



The women wore the more elaborate Hangri top along with the Shyama long skirt. One bystander said that most young men who had come to Tundikhel for Sonam Lhochhar were there to admire the beauty of the Tamang women.



Not to be forgotten, the children too added much fun and laughter with their cheering and singing in the Tamang language.






While there were many Nepalis to be seen joining in the festivities, tourists also could be spotted in the Tundikhel area. One of them was a French tourist guide who preferred to be addressed as Saty.



The 48-year-old arrived just when the march ended and was amazed how well the people were dressed for the special occasion.



“I feel that such events could be publicized better for the tourists so that they won´t just stay in Thamel,” he said, urging his Japanese friends to join in the fun.