Source: Tusk Travel
If I ask you how well do you know about India? There will be no right answer. Many people say that India is not a country, it is a world of its own. The reason behind this is very intriguing India is a country that is full of diversity. We can see the diversity in many things like religion, population, languages, communities, tribes, caste, foods, clothes, etc. And this diversity varies from region to region in this country.
Because of the diverse population, India has a tremendously rich cultural and traditional history. You can see people from almost every religion in India. These different religious communities formed several vibrant and colorful festivals in the country which they celebrate with their own beliefs and rituals. Here we are going to talk about one of the most wonderful but peculiar festivals which is ‘Gyalpo Losar’.
What Is Losar?
‘Losar’ or ‘Lhosar’ is one of the most significant and major festivals among Tibetans, Nepalis, Buddhists, and Sherpas. The terms Lo, which means year, and Sar, which means new, are the origin of the word Losar. ‘Losar’ is a New Year celebration in Tibetan Buddhism. Ancient history says that there was Belma, an old woman who for the very first time introduced the calculation of time based on the different phases of the moon and in respect to that ‘Losar’ was celebrated among these communities every year in the month of February.
Different countries like Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, and India celebrate this festival on various dates and they have their versions of the holiday. There are five types of ‘Losar’ usually including Gurung Losar, Sonam Losar, Gyalpo Loasr, Tibetan Losar, and Lama Losar.
If we talk about India, the ‘Gyalpo Losar’ festival will be celebrated on 21st February this year in various locations like Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Sikkim, Darjeeling, etc.
Activities of the Festival
Following the second half of the lunar cycle from Falgun Shukla Pratipada or the waxing moon to the full moon, ‘Gyalpo Losar’ celebrations are generally performed only for two weeks. The festival has been celebrated with lots of food and fun where the families of the Sherpa community take part to share their legacy and tradition through performing the rituals.
During the celebration of this festival, the Sherpas family used to make distinctive ‘Gutung’ soup, made with a blend of nine different kinds of beans. According to custom, this soup should be served in nine bowls to each member of the family. A particular kind of dumpling that replaces the fillings in ‘Gutung’ with other hidden things is also served. These mysterious objects are frequently odd, like wood, salt, or even coal.
As soon as the clock strikes midnight, people exchange the traditional greeting "Tashi Delek" and remain up late to wish each other a happy new year. Many Sherpa changes their Dhoja, or prayer flags, the next morning to mark the beginning of a new year. The day finishes with a special beverage created by Chaang called Changkol. In addition to eating and drinking, people celebrate by singing or dancing to traditional Sherpa music.
People gather and carry on the celebration in the evening. Local monasteries host several traditional ceremonial dance performances highlighting the clash between demons and gods. Lamps are carried throughout the crowd as mantras are shouted and chanted. Due to the cheerful atmosphere, great food, sweets, and gifts, children frequently enjoy ‘Losar’ the most.
Concluding this article, I want to say that India is full of amazing people, fun, and festivities all the time throughout the whole year. The masses of India gather together to celebrate several colorful festivals and national holidays. And this is how humanity, kindness, and the bonding between people are getting enhanced by celebrating all these extraordinary festivals.
‘Gyalpo Losar’ is celebrated by a limited community of India but unquestionably it has become a part of Indian culture as well as Tibetan culture. ‘Gyalpo Losar’ is a major festival for the Sherpas and this holiday brings a chance to them celebrate a day in their struggle full life which adds a new meaning to their lives and gives them new hopes and dreams. ‘Gyalpo Losar’ is absolutely a must-see festival for travel lovers and those who love to explore unusual and bizarre things in life.
Written by - Joy
Edited by - Kritika Sharma
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