Losar Festival
The Tibetan New Year
Welcoming the New Year
Losar, meaning "New Year" in Tibetan ('Lo' for year, 'sar' for new), is the most important festival for Tibetan Buddhists. Celebrated with immense joy in Tibet and the Himalayan regions of India like Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh, it marks the beginning of the Tibetan lunar calendar. The festival typically lasts for 15 days, with the first three days being the most significant. It is a time for families to reunite, cleanse their homes and spirits of the old year's negativities, and welcome the new year with hope and festivity.
The festival's roots pre-date Buddhism, originating from an ancient Bon practice of burning incense to appease local spirits. With the advent of Buddhism, this tradition was integrated into a larger celebration that also honors the harvest and prays for prosperity in the coming year.