Tamu Lhosar Celebrations in Kathmandu

The Gurung community celebrated Tamu Lhosar, their New Year, on Tuesday, December 30, marking the end of the “Year of the Serpent” and welcoming the “Year of the Horse”.

The Gurungs follow a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by an animal: Garuda, Serpent, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Bird, Dog, Deer, Mouse, Cow, Tiger, and Cat.

Tamu Lhosar is observed on the 15th day of the Nepali month of Poush. The Tamang and Sherpa communities celebrate their own Lhosar festivals—Sonam and Gyalpo Lhosar—in Magh and Falgun respectively.

In Kathmandu, community members dressed in traditional attire took out a rally from Basantapur to Tudikhel. The procession concluded with a special programme, where participants exchanged wishes for prosperity and well-being in the year ahead.

The government declared a public holiday to mark the festival.

Here are some moments from the celebrations, captured by our photojournalist Sunil Sharma.