KATHMANDU, Feb 5: Sonam Lhosar is a festival celebrated as an occasion of the start of a new year, by the Tamang community people in Nepal. ‘Lho’ means year and ‘Sar’ means new or fresh if translated, and the word ‘Sonam’ is referred to the Tamang people in Nepal, thus the festival ‘Sonam Lhosar’ is the New Year event, according to the calendar followed by Tamang people which fall on Magh Shukla Pakshya every year, according to the Lunar calendar.

In this festival, the houses and neighborhood are kept clean, holy clothes hoisted and pooja conducted by worshipping Lord Buddha. The Lama and gurus gather, and dances are performed in the Tamang community. People take blessings from monks and elders for their progress, prosperity and happiness. The events are followed by extensive feasts in houses. The varieties of food like pigs, duck, chicken and sweet desserts are prepared for the family gathering.

This year commenced the Year of the Pig from the Year of the Dog. The day was marked by organizing several cultural programs followed by several variegated food stalls and play work for children at Tudikhel in the capital. Musical programs were performed with Tamang Selo and Damfu (a traditional musical drum). Tamang people had fiestas and fun, and take ultimate enjoyment in this festival sharing and preserving their century’s long culture and tradition.

 
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