The Tamang community across Nepal celebrated Sonam Lhosar, their New Year festival, on Thursday, with a variety of cultural events and festivities. The celebrations were held nationwide, including in Kathmandu’s Tudikhel, where numerous events took place.

Sonam Lhosar is marked every year on the first day of Magh Shukla Pratipada. This year marks the beginning of the 2861st year as per the Manjushree Calendar.

The festival is divided into 12 categories, each represented by a different zodiac animal: rat, cow, tiger, rabbit, dragon (cloud), snake, horse, sheep, monkey, bird, dog, and pig. Each year corresponds to one of these animals, and this year marks the snake.

In celebration, the Tamang community, particularly in the Bagmati region where they predominantly reside, engage in various customs such as ancestral worship, nature worship, and remembering the teachings of Buddha. The occasion also sees families and communities gathering to exchange greetings and share in the joy of the New Year.

Alongside the Tamangs, other ethnic groups like Hyolmo, Nesyangwa, Bhote, and Lepcha, among others, also observe the festival according to their own distinct traditions and customs.

In recognition of the importance of this cultural event, the government has declared a public holiday across the country.

The celebrations reflect a deep connection to cultural heritage, fostering unity and joy among communities.