Preparations for the cultural festival Sonam Lhosar, celebrated by the Tamang community, have been finalized. This year, the event will be observed at Tundikhel, Kathmandu, with the theme, “Celebrate Manjushree Era-2861 Sonam Lhosar with Grandeur, and Advocate for Tamang Language as an Official Administrative Language.”
On Monday, the National Sonam Lhosar Main Organizing Committee announced at a press conference in the capital that all arrangements have been made to celebrate the festival with great enthusiasm. Speaking at the event, Jagat Dong, General Secretary of Tamang Ghedung, said that Sonam Lhosar will commence on Tuesday morning with prayers and an exchange of greetings at the President’s Office, Shital Niwas, led by Tamang priests, including Tamba, Lama, and Bonbo.
“We often hear criticism that Lhosar is limited to urban areas and public spaces and does not reach households. However, we also celebrate Lhosar at home by receiving blessings from our elders early in the morning,” Dong added. He further mentioned that a large gathering is expected at Tundikhel on the day of the festival.
Three-Day Cultural Festival Highlights
The event will feature:
1. Wednesday (Day 1):
• Cultural performances by national artists, rituals, and an evening celebration known as “Lhosar Eve,” marking the farewell to the Year of the Garuda (Duk) and welcoming the Year of the Snake (Dul).
2. Thursday (Day 2):
• A peace rally showcasing traditional attire and artifacts of Tamba, Lama, and Bonbo, starting at 11:00 AM, which will circle Tundikhel.
• The official inauguration ceremony at 1:00 PM, followed by an exchange of greetings and cultural performances by renowned artists.
3. Special Features:
• Live stalls on stage displaying traditional items of Tamba, Lama, and Bonbo.
• Health camps and stalls featuring books on Tamang and indigenous cultures.
Although Lhosar is celebrated from the first day of the waxing moon until the full moon of the Nepali month of Magh, the Tamang community traditionally observes it with grandeur for five days.
Event Schedule:
1. January 29, 2025 (Magh 15, 2081):
• Prayers and greetings at the President’s Office, Shital Niwas, starting at 8:30 AM.
2. January 30, 2025 (Magh 16, 2081):
• Musical performances, rituals, and “Lhosar Eve” celebrations at Tundikhel.
3. January 31, 2025 (Magh 17, 2081):
• Peace rally starting at 11:00 AM and official ceremonies with cultural presentations from 1:00 PM onwards.
Additionally, former Minister of Culture and current MP Shailendra Man Bajracharya will be honored for his role in advocating for Tamang as an administrative language. Various other personalities who have significantly contributed to uplifting the Tamang community will also receive national recognition.
The Tamang community eagerly anticipates the celebration of this vibrant cultural festival, which reflects their rich heritage and traditions.