President extends Sonam Lhosar greetings

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Jan. 19: President Ramchandra Paudel has extended his best wishes for happiness, peace, and prosperity to all Nepalis living at home and abroad on the occasion of Sonam Lhosar.

In his message, President Paudel said that Sonam Lhosar is celebrated with ancestral and nature worship, remembrance of the teachings of Lord Buddha, and the coming together of relatives and loved ones to share joy and happiness through celebration and recreation.

He stated that Tamang communities across the country, along with people from various other ethnic groups, celebrate the festival in their own distinctive styles and traditions.

Highlighting Nepal’s rich multi-ethnic, multilingual, and multicultural character, the President said, “Festivals like Sonam Lhosar help to promote mutual goodwill, tolerance, and fraternity among all Nepalis and contribute to strengthening broader national unity.

President Paudel further expressed his belief that the festival would reinforce unity among all Nepalis and inspire renewed energy to move forward toward building an economically and socially prosperous nation.

Likewise, Vice President Ramsahya Prasad Yadav in his separate message said that Sonam Lhosar festival contributes to the strengthening of the fundamental principles enshrined in the Constitution of Nepal—republicanism, federalism, equality, inclusiveness, secularism, and the rule of law.

During the auspicious occasion of Sonam Lhosar, the presentation of authentic dances, songs, instrumental music, and traditional delicacies serves 

to enliven our cultural heritage and illuminate our national identity, he said.

 "This revered festival inspires us to embrace the noble values of unity in diversity, tolerance, and mutual respect," he said in the message. 

"Our festivals embody the profound capacity to bind together a nation distinguished by multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-religious, multi-cultural, and geographically diverse characteristics, thereby fortifying national integrity and sovereignty." 

On Monday, the Tamang community is celebrating Sonam Lhosar, their New Year, by organising various programmes across the country, including in Kathmandu.

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 a different animal 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 outgoing lho and welcome a new one.

From Monday this year, Sonam Lhosar ushers in the Year of the Horse, a symbol of energy, freedom and 

forward movement, considered auspicious for travel, courage and new ventures.

The Tamang community in Kathmandu will organise a special programme at Tundikhel on Monday to mark their annual festival.

The celebrations begin with rituals at monasteries, where prayers are offered for peace and collective well-being. Homes are cleaned, prayer flags are renewed, and family altars are adorned with offerings.

Traditional dishes such as khapse (deep-fried pastries) and meat stews fill the celebrations with warmth and sustenance.

Music and dance bring the festival alive at Tundikhel. The Tamang selo is performed to the beat of the damphu drum, telling stories of migration, resilience and harmony with the mountains.