KATHMANDU: The Tola Lhosar festival, observed on the first day of the waxing moon in the month of Poush as per the lunar calendar, is being celebrated today in various districts, including Humla, Jumla, Dolpa, Mugu, and Manang.
Known as the oldest among the various Lhosar festivals, Tola Lhosar signifies the wheel of time and is also referred to as the “Time Cycle Year.”
This festival is rooted in the traditions of the Sonam Lhosar celebrated by the Tamang community, although the two festivals occur on different days.
Sonam Lhosar is observed a month later, on Magh Shukla Pratipada. Despite their shared rituals, Tola Lhosar holds distinct cultural significance and is celebrated not only in Nepal but also in parts of Bhutan and Tibet.
The term “Lhosar” derives from the Tibetan words “Lho” (year) and “Sar” (new), marking the festival as the beginning of the New Year.
The indigenous communities celebrating Tola Lhosar begin the day with rituals such as ablutions and cleaning their homes.
They apply a mixture of clay and cow dung to purify their surroundings. Lama priests or family heads perform religious ceremonies, including a unique tradition of throwing wheat and barley flour towards the sky, symbolizing the gods’ victory over demons and evil spirits.
On this auspicious occasion, people gather to receive blessings from Lama priests and elders. Traditional delicacies such as Babari Roti, Phuraula, and various tubers are prepared and enjoyed as part of the festivities, fostering unity and cultural pride.
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