| Tamu Lhosar | |
|---|---|
 Tamu Lhosar celebration withGhatu Dance | |
| Observed by | Gurung communities |
| Type | Gurung festival |
| Significance | Signifies the beginning of the Tamu or Gurung calendar |
| Observances | People gather together, sing traditional songs, and perform traditional dances |
| Date | 15th day of the Nepali monthPausha |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Related to | Losar,Losoong |
Tamu Lhosar is a new year festival celebrated by theGurung people on every 15thPoush (December/January) of the Nepali calendar. It is observed as a public holiday.[1]
Similar to the Lhosars celebrated by other ethnic groups such asTamangs andSherpas, the Gurungs divide the years into 12 cycles, known as Lohokor, with each cycle represented by a different animal. These animals are the eagle, serpent, horse, sheep, monkey, bird, dog, deer, mouse, cow, tiger and cat.[2]
InTamu kyi, the word Lhosar represents "new" (Lho) and "change" (Sar), with each of the 12 animals signifying a new Lho. The celebration of Lhosar signifies a farewell to the existing Lho to welcome the new one.[2][3]
During the festival,prayer flags are placed on major Buddhist stupas such asSwayambhunath andBoudhanath, as well as on the roofs of people's homes.[2] People dress up in traditional attire, with men wearingbhangra, a white apron and akachhad, a Nepalese traditional white, wrap-around skirt reaching the thighs or knees.[4] Women wearghalek and gunyo-cholo, a velvet blouse, and adorn gold ornaments such as earrings and semi-precious stone necklaces.[5] Traditional dances such as the Ghatu dance and Chudka are performed, alongside songs such as "Thado Bhaka".[2]
Home-madeRaksi is served during the festivities.[5]
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