Date
Monday
Feb
10

February 10

Losar

Immerse yourself in the vibrant celebrations of Losar, the Tibetan New Year, full of prayers, feasts, and joyful customs! Embrace the traditions!

Type
Day
Category
Cultural
Country
Bhutan

Introduction

Mark your calendars for a vibrant cultural celebration; Losar, also known as the Tibetan New Year, falls on February 10. Losar festivities blend ancient rituals with regional customs, offering a kaleidoscope of rich traditions that date back to pre-Buddhist times in Tibet. It's a time when houses are cleaned and decorated, traditional food is prepared, and families come together to bid goodbye to the old year and welcome in the new. With prayers, feasts, and numerous joyful customs, Losar ushers in positivity and fresh starts. Prepare to immerse yourself in this magnificent celebration of Tibetan culture and life! Let the spirit of Losar fill your hearts and homes with abundant blessings!

Losar Timeline

Pre-600 AD
Indigenous Tibetan Festival
Before the arrival of Buddhism, the festival of Losar already existed, marking the start of the agricultural year in the Tibetan highlands.
7th Century
Buddhist Influence
The Buddhist influence on Losar strengthened during the reign of the Buddhist kings of Tibet in the 7th Century onwards.
17th Century
Losar as New Year's Day
In the 17th Century, the Mongol ruler and convert to Buddhism, Güshi Khan, officially marked Losar as the start of the Tibetan lunar new year.
1959
Exiled Celebrations
After the Tibetan uprising, the 14th Dalai Lama and many Tibetans in exile kept Losar traditions alive outside Tibet.
2012
Muted Celebrations
In 2012, Tibetans in the region and abroad chose to mark Losar with subdued celebrations, in respect for individuals who self-immolated to protest Chinese rule.

How to Celebrate Losar

1

Create a Losar shrine

Add color and positivity to your home by setting up a little Losar shrine. Fill it with traditional elements like photos of lamas, flowers, candles, Buddha statues, incense and tsampa (roasted barley flour), which are common in Tibetan homes during Losar.

2

Cook traditional Tibetan food

Food plays a significant role in Losar celebrations. Cook up a Tibetan feast with dishes like "Guthuk", a noodle soup eaten on the eve of Losar and "Khapse" which are sweet, deep-fried pastries. Cooking and enjoying these traditional foods will give you a taste of the Tibetan culture.

3

Wear Tibetan attire

Dress in traditional Tibetan clothes for the day. A chuba for women or a reshampa for men could make you feel a part of the Losar events even more deeply. Encourage friends and family to join you in embracing Tibetan culture through attire.

4

Join in cultural dances

Get moving and embrace the spirit of Losar by learning and performing traditional Tibetan dances. From the graceful Ache Lhamo dance to the energetic Shabro, these group dances will bring joy and positivity into your celebration.

5

Organize a prayer session

Losar is also a time for spiritual reflection. Arrange a small prayer session at home, reciting mantras or prayers for peace, prosperity, and good health in the coming year. You could even involve friends and family, transmitting positive vibes all around!

Why We Love Losar

A

Celebrating Cultural Heritage and Traditions

Losar gives us a wonderful opportunity to showcase and appreciate rich Tibetan cultural heritage and deep-rooted traditions. From creating Losar shrines to preparing traditional Tibetan cuisines, each celebration highlights the beautiful diversity of our global community!

B

Positive and Joyful Customs

The customs and rituals associated with Losar usher in a spirit of positivity, fresh starts, and communal harmony. Whether it's taking part in cultural dances or organizing a prayer session for peace and prosperity, each activity is infused with positivity and a sense of communal solidarity.

C

Introduction to Tibetan Cuisine

Losar provides the perfect platform for food lovers to get a taste of authentic Tibetan cuisine. Preparing dishes like "Guthuk", a noodle soup, or "Khapse", sweet deep-fried pastries, give people a chance to savour the delicacies of Tibetan culture.