Tamang people from Mahayana tradition across the country celebrated Sonam Losar-the beginning of the New Year—with much fanfare on Friday.

People residing in Kathmandu Valley had gathered in Tinkune to celebrate the festival. Earlier, they took out rally in various part of the Valley on the occassion.

Tamang people divide their years into 12 cycles, each one for a year, which is given a special name, represented by one of the 12 animals for each year.

The government has declared public holiday today to celebrate the festival.

Photos: Prakash Chandra Timilsena