McLeodganj: Tibetan new year marked with traditional rituals & prayers

Losar is observed as a three-day festival by Tibetans in exile in India, while in Tibet it is traditionally celebrated over 15 days.

The Religion and Culture Department of the Central Tibetan Administration organised special prayers at the main Tibetan temple, Tsuglagkhang, in McLeodganj on Wednesday morning.

In his New Year message, the 14th Dalai Lama said, “As the new year dawns, may we nurture wisdom in our minds and compassion in our hearts. If we cannot help others, let us at least vow to do no harm — in thought, word or action. May it be a year of peace, kindness and inner awakening for all beings.”

President of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile Penpa Tsering, along with the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, ministers, members of Parliament and senior CTA officials, gathered at the temple to offer prayers for peace and prosperity in the New Year.

Monks of the Namgyal Monastery led the traditional rituals and offered worship to the official Tibetan deity, Palden Lhamo. Members of the community paid obeisance at the Tsuglagkhang temple and performed customary rites on the first day of the festival.

Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile Khenpo Sonam Tenphel extended Losar greetings to Tibetans inside and outside Tibet and thanked supporters of the Tibetan cause. He called for unity in preserving religious, cultural and linguistic heritage, urged altruism in political and spiritual efforts, prayed for the Dalai Lama’s long life and expressed hope for an early resolution of the Tibet-China issue.

Meanwhile, special prayers were also held at the Thupten Dorje Drak Monastery near Shimla, where large numbers of devotees gathered. Lama Lopen Lodos highlighted the unity of the Tibetan people and underscored their shared cultural and spiritual bonds.