The Tamu Lhochhar festival, celebrated as the New Year of the Gurung community, was also held in the European country of Luxembourg. At the ‘Tamu Lhochhar–2610’ special event organized in Luxembourg by the Tamu Society Luxembourg, there was notable attendance from individuals of various communities residing in Luxembourg.
Addressing the program, the President of Tamu Society Luxembourg, Santosh Gurung, mentioned that it is a matter of pride to be able to organize such events to preserve their traditions, culture, and identity while living on foreign soil. He emphasized that such programs strengthen mutual goodwill and social unity between the Gurung and non-Gurung communities in Luxembourg. He stated that festivals like these serve as a cornerstone for educating Nepali children growing up in foreign lands about their own customs, traditions, and cultural values. Chitra Gurung, the General Secretary of Tamu Society Luxembourg, shared the goal of developing Tamu Lhochhar as a common platform in the coming years to ensure the participation of the entire Nepali community in Luxembourg and to nurture the talents within the community.
Speaking at the program, representatives from various Nepali associations and institutions, as well as community leaders, expressed the view that such programs play a crucial role in connecting the new generation born abroad with their culture and traditions.
The program, held at the hall of Kosheli Restaurant in Senningerberg, Luxembourg, saw the Tamu Society Luxembourg honoring Nepali elders and leaders active in various fields and communities. The event, which saw participation from Nepalis of three generations, featured traditional attire reflecting Gurung culture, and musical and cultural performances that were the center of attraction.
Dances, songs, and entertainment programs presented by local Gurung and other community artists made the ceremony even more interesting.
This year’s Tamu Lhochhar–2610 was celebrated with the core mantra: ‘If scriptures are lost, traditions are lost; if traditions are lost, culture is lost; if culture is lost, human existence itself is lost.’ According to the Nepali calendar, Tamu Lhochhar is celebrated every year on the 15th of Poush, and Tamu Society Luxembourg has been organizing special events on this occasion.
In the Gurung community, there is a tradition of celebrating Tamu Lhochhar with joy, marking the end of one year and the beginning of a new year according to the 12-animal symbolic calendar. Following this cycle, this year, ‘Supre Lho’ (Snake Year) was bid farewell and ‘Ta Lho’ (Horse Year) was welcomed.
On the occasion of Tamu Lhochhar, there is a tradition of family, relatives, and kin gathering for worship, cultural programs, exchange of good wishes, singing and dancing, and enjoying feasts.
Historians explain that this festival, which is associated with the belief that the 15th of Poush is considered the longest night and marks the beginning of longer days, is also linked to nature worship. This festival clearly reflects Gurung civilization, culture, and identity.
