Sikkim celebrates Tibetan Lunar New Year, Losar with vibrant traditions

Sikkim celebrated the Tibetan Lunar New Year, Losar, with great zeal and enthusiasm throughout the state on February 28, marking the beginning of a new year, bringing with it a renewed sense of hope, prosperity, and happiness.
 

Losar, derived from the Tibetan words "Lo" (year) and "Sar" (new), is a time-honoured tradition that heralds the arrival of spring. The festivities commenced with the preparation of Guthuk, a traditional noodle soup made with nine ingredients, which is consumed before the onset of Losar.
 

On the day of Losar, people donned new attire and visited monasteries to offer prayers and seek blessings for an auspicious and happy year ahead. The monasteries reverberated with chanting and the beating of drums, creating an atmosphere of spiritual fervor.
 

The celebrations continued with family gatherings, traditional dances, and games of chance. People indulged in delicious meals, often at their cousins' residences, strengthening family bonds and fostering a sense of community.
 

As the sun set on Losar, the streets came alive with vibrant colors, music, and laughter. The air was filled with the sweet scent of incense and the sound of firecrackers, ushering in a new year filled with promise and possibility.
 

In Sikkim, Losar is a state holiday, allowing people to immerse themselves in the festivities and revel in the joy of new beginnings. As the Losar celebrations drew to a close, the people of Sikkim looked forward to a year filled with prosperity, good health, and happiness.