Losar Festival in Ladakh, also called the Tibetan New Year, is a special celebration mainly embraced by Tibetan Buddhists. Lasting for 15 days, it kicks off with the Tibetan New Year and follows the lunar calendar. People in Ladakh, particularly Ladakhi Buddhists, engage in both social and religious festivities. During Losar, they make heartfelt religious offerings in their homes’ shrines or in the Gompas to honor their deities.
About Losar Festival
- One of the most significant celebrations in the Tibetan calendar.
- It begins on the day of a new moon that marks the first day of the first month on the Tibetan calendar.
- Losar Festival is celebrated for 15 days, with the main celebrations on the first three days.
Meaning
- The term ‘Losar’ means New year in the Tibetan language. ‘Lo’ means year and ‘Sar’ means new.
Ancient Roots
- Losar Festival, the Tibetan New Year celebration, originated before Buddhism came to Tibet.
- Its origins can be traced back to a traditional winter practice of burning incense in the Bon religion.
- The Bon religion’s influence on Losar highlights the rich cultural heritage of Tibet before the introduction of Buddhism.
Celebrated
- Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, India
- In India- Ladakh, Kinnaur, Spiti, Sikkim
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