Arunachal: Losar festival concludes with grand celebrations in Itanagar  

The 15-day Losar festival concluded with great enthusiasm at Thupten Gatseling Gonpa in Itanagar, where Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker Tesam Pongte and Chief Minister Pema Khandu were present to mark the occasion.

 

Eminent Buddhist leader Guru Tulku Rinpoche blessed attendees from distant districts, including Tawang, West Kameng, Upper Siang, and Upper Subansiri. The festival holds deep cultural significance, with "Lo" meaning year and "Sar" signifying new, symbolising the Tibetan Buddhist New Year.

 

According to the Tibetan Buddhist Lunar Calendar, this is the Year of the Female Wood Snake, an animal linked to wisdom, intuition, and charm, further enhanced by the wood element, which signifies growth.

 

Speaking to India Today NE, Chief Minister Pema Khandu extended his greetings for both Losar and Holi, wishing for prosperity and good health for all.

 

Tawang MLA Namgey Tsering emphasised the importance of preserving cultural heritage and urged people to celebrate their traditional festivals while continuing to speak their native dialects.

 

Guru Tulku Rinpoche highlighted the significance of Losar's final day, which coincided with both Buddha Purnima and the Hindu festival of Holi, underscoring the spiritual harmony between these celebrations.