KATHMANDU: The Sherpa community is celebrating Gyalpo Lhosar, a cultural festival that marks the first day of the first lunar month of Falgun today.
This annual celebration is observed with various events and activities.
This year, the Sherpa community is celebrating the 2152nd Gyalpo Lhosar as the New Year.
The festival is categorized into 12 different signs: Rat, Cow, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon (Cloud), Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Bird, Dog, and Boar.
Gyalpo Lhosar is celebrated with grand festivities that last from the first day of the first lunar month of Falgun until the full moon.
The festival has its origins as a spring celebration, introduced during the reign of the ninth king of Bhot, Ude Gungyal.
Researcher Tika Sherpa explained that the name Gyalpo Lhosar follows a chronological order. Some people pronounce the name as Gyalpo, while others say Gyalbo.
Originally celebrated in 12 districts of the Himalayan region, Gyalpo Lhosar is now observed in 22 districts.
This expansion is a result of the migration of the Sherpa people.
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