Losar festivities end with ‘Thupa’

Tribune News Service

Dharamsala, February 11

The three-day Losar, Tibetan New Year celebrations, culminated today with cultural events at Tsuglakhang (main temple of the Dalai Lama) here today.

The Tibetan lunar New Year Losar, 2143 would officially start today as per the tradition. A large numbers of Tibetans gathered at the main temple to watch the cultural program.

As per the tradition, the preparations of Losar start on 29th day of the last month of the Tibetan year. The 29th day of the last month is called Nyi-shu-gu in the Tibetan language. On this day, all members of family come together. They clean house, especially kitchen. Thupa, traditional Tibetan food, is prepared for dinner. The food is cooked in a single utensil and served to all collectively.

Since most of Tibetans were nomads living in cold desert areas of Tibet, as per the tradition on 29th day of the last month, men used to take bath and clean themselves after extreme winter. The women members of the family take bath on 30th day of the last month. A game is played by members of the family on 30th of the last month.

On the concluding day, circular dance is performed by Tibetans. The visitors are also allowed to participate in the dance.