Losar Tashi Delek! Celebrating Tibetan New Year

'Losar' is one of the most important Tibetan festivals. It marks the Tibetan New Year according to Tibetan Lunar Calender and holds immense prominence in the Tibetan and Buddhism culture. It is an occasion that brings families together for food, drinks, conversations, and more.

On the day, Tibetans wear colourful Chuba, the traditional dress of their culture. The celebrations of Losar go on for three days. On the first day, people dress up and spend time with their families, and exchange greetings. This is followed by a game of cards and having a traditional Tibetan meal. This meal is an elaborate affair and includes Chhang kyoe (a Tibetan alcoholic beverage), Dreysil ( its sweetened rice, a classic Losar delicacy), and Ghutuk, a noodle soup. On the second day, people visit their friends and family to exchange gifts and accept visitors with 'Chemar', a Tibetan handicraft. On the third day, people visit monasteries, where they pray and present offerings to monks.

Tenzin Yangzom Zokutsang, a Tibetan who lives in Delhi but is currently celebrating Losar in Dehradun says, "We wait the whole year round for Losar. It is the occasion when we go back home to our family. It keeps us connected with our culture. The whole family and community come together to celebrate it."

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Take a glimpse at Losar's celebrations-