LHOSAR: The Main Festival of the Sherpas

Lhosar, which basically means New Year, is the main festival of the Sherpas. Lho literally translates as "year" in Sherpa language. It is an annual celebration which usually falls on February or March.

Lhosar has its origins in the Tibetan Buddhist culture. It is based on the Tibetan lunar calendar. Tibetans follow a 12-year lunar calendar with each year associated with an animal: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each animal symbolizes certain characteristics and beliefs, influencing the events and spirit of the year. Each year is named after those animals. For example, this year is the Year of the Snake.

Historically, Lhosar marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring. The Sherpas believe that the beginning of a new year is a time to purify the mind and soul. Therefore, in the days leading up to Lhosar, the Sherpas engage in extensive cleaning, both physically and spiritually. Homes are cleaned, and old, unwanted items are disposed of to make space for new things, symbolizing getting rid of bad luck and negative energy.

Food plays a central role in Lhosar. One of the main food items prepared on Lhosar is called "Khapse" (which is a kind of Tibetan biscuit). It is often eaten with Tibetan butter tea. People also make and drink a Sherpa alcohol called "Chhyang" during this festival.  On the evening before Lhosar, families, friends, and relatives gather to eat a special meal called "Gutuk". This is similar to a normal sherpa stew (Shyakpa), except for the fact that in gutuk there are various items (coal, cotton, paper, coin, stick, etc.) hidden inside it. These items symbolize different characteristics of a person. For example, whoever gets a piece of coal in their stew will be deemed a "black-hearted person".

On the day of Lhosar, Sherpa people wake up early and dress in either their traditional costumes or some brand new clothes and exchange wishes and gifts. The whole day is then basically spent eating, drinking, chatting, and playing games with family members and relatives.

While Lhosar is commonly known as the festival of Sherpas and Tibetans, it is important to note that it is not unique to them. Various other ethnic groups of Nepal also celebrate this festival. However, their Lhosar usually falls on a different date and is celebrated differently as well.