Sonam Lhosar greetings

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Jan. 30: President Ramchandra Paudel has extended his best wishes on the occasion of Sonam Lhosar, expressing hope for strengthened unity among all Nepalis and collective efforts toward building a more prosperous nation.

In his message, President Paudel highlighted the cultural and spiritual significance of Sonam Lhosar and joyful gatherings where people exchange greetings and celebrate with loved ones.

He also acknowledged that other ethnic communities, including the Hyolmo, Thakali, Jirel, Nyasyangwa, Bhote, Dura, and Lepcha observe the festival in their unique ways, contributing to Nepal’s rich cultural diversity.

Emphasising Nepal’s multi-ethnic, multi-lingual and multi-cultural identity, the President said that festivals like Sonam Lhosar play a crucial role in promoting social harmony, tolerance and brotherhood while further strengthening national unity.

President Paudel has expressed his hope that Sonam Lhosar will inspire all Nepalis to come together and contribute towards the country’s economic and social progress.

Meanwhile, Vice-President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav also extended his heartfelt wishes on the occasion of Sonam Lhosar. 

In his message, Vice President Yadav emphasised the festival’s role in preserving and promoting Nepal’s diverse cultural traditions, including folk music, dance and traditional delicacies that help sustain indigenous customs across generations.

Sonam Lhosar is characterised by communal gatherings, ancestral and earth worship, charitable acts and the exchange of greetings, he added. 

He stressed that the festival should be embraced as a symbol of identity and self-respect for all Nepalis, fostering unity by encouraging people to set aside differences and share joy.

He further underlined Nepal’s constitutional commitment to republicanism, federalism, equality, inclusivity, secularism and the rule of law. 

He stated that the country’s governance system embraces multi-ethnic, multi-lingual and multi-cultural values, strengthening national unity despite regional and social diversities.

The people of the Tamang community are celebrating 'Sonam Lhosar' as their New Year by organising various programmes across the country on Thursday.  The Tamangs mark Sonam Lhosar as their New Year every year. 

The Tamangs divide their year into 12 cycles and each cycle is represented by 12 different animals-- Garuda (eagle), serpent, horse, sheep, monkey, bird, dog, deer, mouse, cow, tiger and cat-- which they call “lho.”  During each Lhosar they bid farewell to the existing 'lho' and welcome a new one.

From Thursday this year, the Tamangs' year entered into the Snake cycle from the Dragon cycle. 

Sonam Losar will also be observed in the Kathmandu Valley. A big celebration is followed by singing and dancing with thousands of citizens in their cultural attire. 

The Tamangs will organise a special programme at Tundikhel to mark their annual festival. They will celebrate the festival with much fanfare by extending greetings to one another and feasting on traditional cuisines.

The stalls at the Tundikhel will display the special Tamang foods.  Men and women of all age groups attired in traditional Tamang dresses and ornaments will participate in the cultural event at Tundikhel.