Sonam Lhosar (Tamang Lhosar and New Year) in Nepal

Sonam Lhosar is the most important and the biggest festival of the Tamang ethnic group of Nepal, where as Tamu Lhosar is of Gurung communities and Gyalbo Lhosar is of Sherpa communities. Sonam Lhosar is celebrated by the Tamang communities living in every corner of Nepal along with the Tamang people throughout the world.

Tamang people mostly populate these districts: Kavrepalanchok, Rasuwa, Sidhupalchok, Dhading, Nuwakot, Sindhuli, Ramechhap, Makwanpur, Dolakha and others along with Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur.  

The first month of English New Year or around 9^th or 10^th month of Nepali calendar, Sonam Lhosar is celebrated. It is celebrated with a great excitement because Tamang people celebrate this festival as their new year. They clean all the surroundings and welcome their new year with wonderful decorations of their home, monasteries, chhortens and others. Colorful Buddhist prayer flags are hanged around and organize feasts.

Tamang Selo is an important part of the festival-Sonam Lhosar. Tamang people love musical instruments. They play damphu and sing Selo, which is a combination of humor, joy and sorrow.  Buddhist devotees Tamang visit the monasteries, Stupas and Chhortens on Lhosar to pay their homage.

Tundikhel, which is an open space for the massive gathering, will be full of Tamang people along with other witnesses to observe the Sonam Lhosar festival. They parade on the street, wear typical customes, have food stalls and enjoy dancing and singing in groups.

The best way to explore the Tamang culture, hospitality and lifestyles is to make a tour and trek to the typical communities.

Tamang Culture Research Trek

Langtang Valley Tserku Ri Trek

Langtang Gosaikunda Trek

Tamang Heritage with Langtang Valley Trek

Contact Nepal Kameleon Holidays for more details:

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