Two-day Losar festivities begin in McLeodganj

Lalit Mohan
Tribune News Service
Dharamsala, February 12

Losar, Tibetan New year celebrations, started today with Tibetans offering prayers at the Dalai Lama Temple in McLeodganj. Tibetan New Year Losar 2148, the year of Iron-Ox festivities, will be celebrated from February 12 to 14.

Due to Covid-induced lockdown, the festivities of Losar are subdued. No foreign tourist arrived here for Losar. Most of the Tibetan institutes and monasteries also remain closed. The Tibetan administration-in-exile has advised against any large gathering during Losar.

Subdued celebrations

• Due to Covid-induced lockdown, the festivities are subdued
• No foreign tourist has arrived here for Losar
• Most of the Tibetan institutes and monasteries also remain closed
• The Tibetan administration-in-exile has advised against any large gathering during the festival

Vikas Sharma, a resident McLeodganj, said at one time, Losar used to be a huge event attracted a large number of foreign and domestic tourists.

“Over the last few years the festivities have become limited as Tibetans also avoided extravagant celebrations due to self-immolations by Tibetans in Tibet. This year the festival is going to be a low-key affair,” he said.

Losar marks the end of winter and the start of spring season. The end of Losar festival after three days is considered as the first day of New Year according to the Tibetan calendar. On this day, Tibetan exiles pay obeisance to the Dalai Lama.

On the first day of the New Year, the Tibetans avoid making any purchase or spend money. The behaviour is guided by the belief that if they spend on the first day, they will be under debt for the entire year.

Besides, every Tibetan grew in age by one year today. In Tibetan tradition, the first day of New Year is considered as a measure of increase in age rather than the birthday as per other tradition among other communities.

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