KATHMANDU: The Sherpa community is celebrating Gyalpo Lhosar, the Sherpa New Year, today with various cultural and religious programs. In the Sherpa language, “Lho” means year and “Sar” means new, signifying the beginning of a new year.
On this occasion, there is a tradition of cleaning roads and water sources in villages and settlements, preparing and sharing special dishes such as Guthuk (a nine-ingredient soup) and Khapse, and exchanging good wishes for the year ahead. The festival is regarded as an important opportunity to strengthen family ties and social harmony.
Sherpas living in Nepal’s Himalayan region, who follow the Mahayana Buddhist tradition, observe Gyalpo Lhosar based on the lunar calendar. The New Year begins on the Pratipada tithi (first day) of the bright fortnight of the Nepali month of Falgun. Cultural performances, including the Syabru dance and the melodious tunes of the Tungana (Damyang), add vibrancy and joy to the celebrations.
The festival is believed to bring renewed hope, enthusiasm, and happiness, while fostering mutual love, brotherhood, harmony, and unity in society. It promotes cooperation and understanding by strengthening bonds among family members, friends, and the wider community.
Visiting monasteries, receiving blessings from religious leaders and lamas, enjoying traditional delicacies such as Khapse, Dashil, and Guthuk, and spending quality time with family are integral parts of the celebration.
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