Kathmandu, 28 February: Gyalpo Lhosar, a cultural festival celebrated by the Sherpa community every year on the day of the first day of the month of Falgun Shukla, is being celebrated today with various programs being organized.
The Sherpa community is about to celebrate the 2152nd Gyalpo Lhosar as the New Year. Gyalpo Lhosar is divided into 12 categories: Rat, Cow, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon (Cloud), Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Bird, Dog, and Boar.
Gyalpo Lhosar is celebrated grandly from the first day of the month of Phalgun Shukla Pratipada to the full moon day. Gyalpo Lhosar has been celebrated as the spring festival since the time of the ninth king of Bhot, Ude Gungyal. Researcher Tika Sherpa said that Gyalpo Lhosar was named after him over time. He also informed that some people pronounce this Lhosar as Gyalpo and some as Gyalbo.
Gyalpo Lhosar, which was previously celebrated in 12 districts of the Himalayan region, is currently celebrated in 22 districts. The number of districts celebrating this festival has increased with the migration of the Sherpa community. The Gurung community has also celebrated this festival in the name of Tamu on Poush 15 and the Tamang community has also celebrated this festival in the name of Sonam Lhosar on the day of Magh Shukla Pratipada.
Festival helps promote harmony and brotherhood: President
President Ram Chandra Poudel has stated that festivals like Gyalpo Lhosar will enhance the spirit of unity, socio-cultural solidarity, tolerance, harmony and brotherhood among all Nepalis.
Expressing best wishes for happiness, peace and prosperity to all those living at home and abroad on the occasion of Gyalpo Lhosar, the festival of the Sherpa community, he expressed the belief that this festival will help further strengthen national unity.
Gyalpo Lhosar is celebrated as a new year by organizing various programs on the first day of the first full moon of the month of Falgun, by the indigenous Sherpas and Mahayana Buddhist communities living in various parts of Nepal, including the Himalayas.
He mentioned that this festival, celebrated with joy and enthusiasm by family gatherings, meeting relatives, and eating dishes such as guthuk khapse, reflects the identity and characteristics of the Sherpa community. Festivals such as Gyalpo Lhosar, which are celebrated in accordance with culture, tradition, and beliefs, have contributed to maintaining family love, social harmony, and unity.
President Poudel has wished that the Gyalpo Lhosar festival will further strengthen the unity among all Nepalis and inspire everyone to move forward to build an economically and socially prosperous country.
