What is Sonam Lhosar?
Sonam Lhosar is the new year festival celebrated by the Tamang and Hyolmo communities. The words sonam and lhosar have unique meanings. The sonam has roots in Tibetan cultures and in Tibetan, it means ‘merit,’ "good fortune," or ‘virtuous.’ In sanskrit,'sonam’ means ‘golden’ or ‘beautiful.’
The word ‘Lhosar’ is divided in two terms, ‘Lho’ and ‘sar.’ The term ‘Lho’ means ‘year’, and ‘sar’ means ‘new’ or ‘fresh’. That combined translates to the “new year” or the beginning of a new era. Sonam losar in nepali language is naya barsha.
When is Sonam Lhosar going to be celebrated this year?
This year, in 2025, sonam lhosar is going to be celebrated on January 30, 2025. According to the eastern lunar calendar, the festival falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice. And the second new moon after the winter solstice is in the month of magh (January - February).
How is Sonam Lhosar different from other Lhosar celebrations?
Sonam Lhosar is the unique festival celebrated by the Tamang and Hyolmo communities. It is celebrated in the Magh Sukla Pratipada, which may be similar to the other Lhosar celebrations. The Sonam Lhosar festival features mask dances that are different from other Lhosar festival celebrations.
Besides it, the traditional foods prepared during the festival, including Khapsey, Babar (a rice-based chapati), and Thongsey, are specific to the Hyolmo community. The dances like tamang selo and damphu are the unique dances performed by the tamang community only.
These differences are the proof of how sonam lhosar is different from the other lhosar celebrations. However, they all share similarities in timing and general festive spirit.
Sonam Lhosar History
sonam lhosar in Nepali history is long and is connected to the unique Tibetan traditions. The origin of the Sonam Lhosar can be traced back to the Tamang people’s ancestral roots in Tibet.
The Tamang people migrated from Tibet to the hilly region of nepal and settled there. They were the ones who brought the Sonam Lhosar festival to Nepal. The various traditions, like mask dance, were started since the first festival celebrations of Sonam lhosar started.
Then, over time, the festival evolved into the unique celebrations. As of now, the festival celebrations lead the unique blend of Tibetan and Nepalese traditions. Over time, you can see the various changes in the celebrations of sonam lhosar.
Traditional rituals and customs associated with the festival
There are various traditions, rituals, and customs associated with the Sonam lhosar in Nepal. These traditional rituals and customs reflect the cultural and spiritual heritage of the tamang communities. Below are the traditional rituals and customs described briefly.
A visit to the monasteries during the sonam lhosar festival is one of the important traditions. During the festival, the tamang people visit monasteries and stupas to perform the rituals and offer prayers.
In monasteries and stuupas, the mask dance is also performed as part of rituals. The dance is aimed at preventing the evil spirits and welcoming gods and goddesses.
Offering the various food items like fruits and Khapse is also part of the rituals. During the ritual, the foods are offered to the lama, who performs worshipping rituals. Lama is the priest of the Tamang community. The offerings are then shared among the community.
- Traditional dances and songs
During the festival, various types of traditional dances are performed. The traditional dances include Tamang Selo and Damphu. The dances are performed with vibrant costumes and rhythmic beats of drums and cymbals.
The dances are entertaining. These unique dances and traditional songs help to preserve the cultural heritage of the tamang community.
There are no festivals that are celebrated without the special dishes. Like other festivals, dashain, tihar, and tamu lhosar, sonam lhosar celebrations also include preparing the special dishes.
During the festival, traditional dishes such as Khapse, Sel Roti (sweet rice flour bread), Gundruk (fermented leafy greens), and Sinki (fermented radish) are prepared. These food items reflect the unique culinary heritage of the Tamang people.
There is another unique beverage that is prepared during the festive time, Chang. Chang is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented millet or rice. The beverage is shared among the family members and friends.
Traditional attire is the unique aspect of the festival. During the festival event of sonam lhosar, people wear the traditional tamang attire. The tamang attire includes beautifully embroidered dresses and jewelry.
Men wear a dhoti and bhoto, while women wear a gunyo cholo and fariya. It is a unique dress worn by the tamang community. This dress is different from the other communities.
During the festival, the houses and public spaces are also decorated. The houses and public spaces are adorned with colorful decorations, prayer flags, strings of marigolds, and intricate patterns made from colored rice.
The decoration represents purity, prosperity, and hope for a bright future. And as the festival is celebrated on the tamang new year, starting the new year like this is a positive start towards the future.
Sonam lhosar is the time for the family gatherings and feasts. The family members who are residing in different parts of the world coem together. The family members celebrate the festival together, exchange gifts and strengthen the bonds.
During the sonam lhosar festival, a new year market is organized. In this market, you can buy new clothes, jewelry, and festive items. You can see the various vendors selling traditional handicrafts and local delicacies during the sonam lhosar festival celebrations.
Sonam Lhosar and Its importance to Nepali Society in 2025
Sonam Lhosar in Nepal is important to the Nepalese society in 20255 as it plays a key role in fostering ethnic unity and community cohesion. It brings people together. As this festival is celebrated by the diverse groups, this fosters a sense of shared identity and mutual respect among them.
The festival comes with the new hope and essence of renewal. It is the time for reflection on the past year and to welcome the new one with the aspirations for prosperity and good fortune. The family gathering highlights the sonam lhosar festival’s role in fostering unity and solidarity among the Tamang people.
Furthermore, the Sonam Lhosar impact on businesses, tourism, and the economy in 2025 is huge, boosting local businesses, increasing activity, and increasing consumer spending. The festival fosters cultural engagement, attracting tourists and contributing to Nepal's overall economic growth.
The role of Sonam Lhosar’s role in preserving Nepali culture and traditions cannot be left unseen. This festival helps preserve the unique cultural identity and traditions of the Tamang community. The celebration of the sonam lhosar means the continuation of cultural practices in an ever-changing world.
How is the younger generation celebrating Sonam Lhosar in a more modern or globalized world?
The celebrations of the Sonam Lhosar in Nepal by the younger generations are more modern. The celebration is done by integrating the traditional practices with contemporary influences. Also,
For example, the younger generations incorporate contemporary music and dance styles into the festival's cultural performances. This makes the festival more relevant and engaging. Due to this fusion, the younger generation seems more interested in preserving the cultural heritage of their community.
The rise of virtual events helps the Tamang community participate in cultural programs, dances, and rituals from afar. The event provides the opportunity for cultural exchange and education.
We can see the use of social media as part of the Sonam Lhosar festival celebrations. The young people who are born in the social media era share their experiences, photos, and videos through platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. This digital engagement helps spread awareness about the festival.
Furthermore, the globalization has made the celebrations spread all over the world. The Tamang communities are residing in different countries. Thus, they're celebrating the sonam lhosar festival in several international locations.
Conclusion
Sonam Lhosar in Nepal celebrates the Gurung community's new year. The Sonam Lhosar festival in Nepal in 2025, marked on the Sonam Lhosar 2025 Nepali date, will be associated with the wooden snake Sonam Lhosar wishes in Nepali, like "Sonam Lhosar ko subhakamana," that are exchanged, honoring this rich cultural tradition.
FAQs
1. When is Sonam Losar celebrated in Nepali date?
The sonam lhosar 2081 Nepali date for the official festival celebration is on Magh 17.
2. Which animal is associated with the sonam lhosar in 2025?
The animal associated with the sonam lhosar for this year, 2025, is a snake.
3. Which country celebrates the festival of Sonam Lhosar as the new year for the Tamang community?
Several countries, including Nepal and India, celebrate the festival of Sonam Lhosar as the new year for the Tamang community. The Tamang people who reside in the foreign countries also celebrate their unique festival.
Happy Sonam Lhosar 2025!
