Gyalpo Lhosar is better known as the Sherpa new year festival and is celebrated in parts of Nepal, Sikkim, and Darjeeling, India. Every year, the celebration is held from Falgun Shukla Pratipada, the second day of the waxing moon, till the full moon.
The Tibetan New Year, Gyalpo Lhosar, is also celebrated. Since the reign of Pude Gungyal, Tibet's ninth monarch, Gyalpo Lhosar, has been observed as a spring celebration.
Myth Behind Gyalpo Loshar
The Losar was first observed, according to legend, when an older woman named Belma established moon-based timekeeping. Offerings were made to the Nagas (the serpent deity), or water spirits, who activated the water element in the area. Smoke offerings were made to impress the local spirits and deities associated with the natural world at the local spring.
Worship during the festival of Lhosar festival
Major Activities During Gyalpo Lhosar
Gyalpo Lhosar is a two-week festival. The first three days are when the most lavish celebrations take place. On the first day, a traditional beverage known as Changkol, similar to Chhaang, is consumed. Gyalpo Lhosar is commemorated on the second day, marking the new year's beginning. People get together for a feast on the third day.
In the Monasteries, many ancient dances depicting the battle between demon and god are performed. Mantras are recited, and holy candles are passed among the assembled audience. Traditional dance also represents a conflict between a deer and the King.
During the celebration, traditional meals are provided. Gutung, a soup made with nine types of beans and meat, wheat, rice, sweet potato, cheese, peas, green pepper, vermicelli noodles, and radish, is one of the main dishes. Dumplings accompany the soup. Khapse, a deep-fried pastry famous during the holidays, represents the commencement of the festivities. To ward off evil spirits, firecrackers are set off.