Tamu Lhosar

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Tamu Lhosar is the Gurung new year celebrated by Gurung communities. It happens on the 15th day of the Nepali month Pausha (usually December–January) and is a public holiday. The Gurung calendar has 12 yearly cycles called Lohokor, each linked to a different animal: eagle, serpent, horse, sheep, monkey, bird, dog, deer, mouse, cow, tiger, and cat. Lhosar means “new” (Lho) and “change” (Sar, signifying a new Lho). The festival marks the farewell to the old Lho and the welcome of the new one.

During the celebration, people place prayer flags on major Buddhist stupas like Swayambhunath and Boudhanath, as well as on the roofs of homes. People dress in traditional clothes: men wear bhangra, a white apron, and a kachhad (a white wrap-around skirt). Women wear ghalek and gunyo-cholo (a velvet blouse), along with gold earrings and stone necklaces. Traditional dances such as Ghatu and Chudka are performed, and songs like Thado Bhaka are sung. Homemade raksi is served during the festivities.