| Sonam Lhochhar | |
|---|---|
 Sonam Lhochhar celebration | |
| Observed by | Tamang andHyolmo communities |
| Liturgical color | Red |
| Type | Tamang festival |
| Significance | Marks the beginning of the Tamang New Year |
| Date | Magh Shukla Pratipada |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Related to | Losar,Losoong |
Sonam Lhochhar is a New Year's day festival of theTamang andHyolmo people ofNepal as well asSikkim andDarjeeling regions of India. It falls on the second new moon after thewinter solstice which is usually theMaghSukla Pratipada based on the easternlunar calendar.
Years are associated with 12 different animals - Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat/Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Boar.[1][2] Historically, the festival is celebrated after harvesting the crops.[3]
In Sonam Lhosar, the Tamang and Hyolmo people visit monasteries andstupas, make sacrifices, while special rituals with masked dances are performed to drive away evil spirits. The houses and surroundings are cleaned to welcome gods and goddesses.
Khapse and Babar (kind of like chapati but made of rice) and Thongsey are mainly eaten in the Hyolmo community.
People wear traditional dresses and jewellery to participate in cultural events and exchange greetings with each another.Tamang Selo andDamphu are played in the festival for dance.Syabru is a commonly performed dance in the Hyolmo and Rasuwali Tamang communities.[4]
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