New Year is filled with anticipation and excitement. It could be the time to have favorable opportunities falling into your lap to broadening your horizons in unimaginable ways. And among many New Year celebrations celebrated in Nepal, Tamu Lhosar is one that falls during the month of December.
Tamu Lhosar is a festival of Gurung community, which is celebrated in Nepal. The term ‘Tamu’ refers to the Gurung people and the term ‘Lhosar’ denotes ’New Year’, hence the Tamu Lhosar festival means the new year of Gurungs.
Moreover, Tamang, Magar and other Himalayan communities of Nepal too celebrate Tamu Lhosar. People take blessings from monks and visit Buddhist shrines on this day. Monasteries are decorated where each home raises a flag on top of its roof. People exchange greetings and gifts where a party is also organized having delicious food, music and dance.
The beginning of the Tamu Sambat
Tamu Lhosar marks the beginning of the Tamu Sambat or Gurungs’ Calendar Year, and in the Tamu Lhosar, Gurung communities organise rallies in the traditional attires and perform cultural dance. The Gurung people divide their years into 12 cycles. Each one for a year, which is given a special name, represented by one of the 12 animals. The day of Tamu Lhosar, also indicates the end of winter and start of Spring season.
The Tamu (Gurung) people are the indigenous tribes of Nepal. Their main habitat is located in central hilly or Gandaki region. But these days they live all over the country in varied numbers. They have a history of living Nepal as old as the country’s civilization itself. And they have their rich unique culture and recognition.
On the occasion of Tamu Loshar, Gurung community wear their traditional attires. Men wear Bhangra, white cloth shirt-like apparel tied across the chest and a Kachhad, like a short sarong or kilt. Likewise, women are seen in their maroon velvet Ghalek (blouses), enhanced by large gold earrings and semi-precious stone necklaces.
People in small and large groups sat on the ground enjoying delicious Gurung dishes. People perform traditional and cultural dancing. Home-made raksi (alcohol) are also being served.
It’s a public holiday in Nepal on Tamu Losar day. In urban areas, Gurungs come together to celebrate Tamu Losar (Gurung’s New Year) at a common place and rejoice in various cultural processions, feasting and greetings.
In the old days in the villages, they gathered in courtyards to celebrate Losar. In Kathmandu, Losar is celebrated in Tundikhel ground at the city center vibrant with colorful stalls and people flooding inside on Poush 15 under Nepali Bikaram Sambat Calendar. Poush 15 marks the end of winter and start of spring that also brings warmness and charm to Tamu Losar.
Gurungs have their own unique culture such as Rodhighar, Chudka, Sorathi, Ghantu and Dhori contributing to the cultural diversity of Nepal. A festival, like this is all about reunion with the family, friends, and neighbors along with a time to relax and enjoy.
Photos: Rakesh Manandhar
Manandhar is a freelancer photographer since 2016.
