The Sherpa community is marking Gyalpo Lhosar on Wednesday with a range of celebrations. The term “Lhosar” translates to new year, with “Lho” meaning year and “Sar” meaning new, making this festival their New Year.

As part of the tradition, Sherpas clean village roads and water sources, prepare and eat dishes made from nine types of grains and exchange greetings to welcome the year. The festival is seen as a way to strengthen family ties and social harmony.

Observed by Sherpas in Nepal’s Himalayan regions and followers of Mahayana Buddhism, Gyalpo Lhosar follows the lunar calendar, starting on the first day of the Nepali month of Falgun. Festivities include Syabru dances, the music of the tungna, and communal celebrations.

The festival is believed to bring renewed hope, joy, and energy, fostering love, brotherhood, and unity in society. Visiting monasteries, receiving blessings from lamas, enjoying special foods and spending time with family are all important aspects of the celebration, reflecting a strong sense of Nepali cultural identity.

Here are some photos of the celebration in Kathmandu taken by the Post’s photojournalist Suryams Upreti.