Gyalpo Lhosar: New Year Festival of Sherpa
The festival of Gyalpo Lhosar lasts for about two weeks. The
first three days are when the biggest festivities occur. Chhaang is used to
make the beverage changkol on the first day (a Tibetan cousin of beer). Day two
is referred to as Gyalpo Lhosar. The major New Year's Day is today. They gather
on the third day and feast. In the monasteries, a variety of ancient ceremonial
dances that depict the conflict between god and the demon are performed. Fire
torches are carried around the crowd while mantras are recited. A traditional
dance portraying a conflict between a king and a deer is performed. There are
prepared dishes. The soup is one of the most crucial dishes. Meat, wheat, rice,
sweet potato, cheese, peas, green pepper, vermicelli noodles, and radish are
the main ingredients in this soup.
On this day, Buddhist monasteries all over the world hold
special prayers that channel the compassion and love of Buddha into the world.
Monks also pray on this day for the universal brotherhood and equality that go
hand in hand with world peace. When Buddhists visit monasteries,
"Rinpoche" and senior family members bestow blessings upon them. The
stories, myths, and legends are narrated through dance and song in the
community's traditional dance ceremonies. Among these dances, a famous
traditional dance tells the tale of a deer being saved by a king. The Tibetan
year calendar is based on a 12-animal system, with the rat as the first animal
and the boar as the last. The strength is displayed in this year because it is
the year of the tiger.
Gyalpo Lhosar: Mythology & History
Legend has it that an elderly woman by the name of Belma
established the concept of moon-based time measurement, which led to the first
Losar celebration. The Nagas (the serpent deity), or water spirits, who
energized the water element in the region, were offered gifts at the nearby
spring as part of rites of thanksgiving. Smoke offerings were also provided to
the local spirits connected to the natural world.
When PudeGungyal, the ninth monarch of Tibet, reigned, Gyalpo
Losar has been observed as a spring celebration.
Gyalpo Lhosar: Activities & Celebration
Families come together to clean and decorate their homes the
day before Losar. The customary greeting "TashiDelek" is exchanged
that same night at midnight, and friends and family remain up late to wish each
other a happy new year. Many Sherpa change their Dhoja, or prayer flags, in
their homes the following morning to signify a new year. The day finishes with
a special alcoholic beverage created from Chaang called Changkol (a Tibetan
version of beer). People enjoy traditional Sherpa music while eating, drinking,
and singing or dancing.
For two weeks, people celebrate Gyalpo Losar. The first three
days are when the biggest festivities occur. A traditional beverage called
Changkol, which is comparable to Chhaang, is consumed on the first day. Gyalpo
Losar is observed on the second day, which marks the start of the New Year.
People congregate for a feast on the third day. In the monasteries, a variety
of ancient dances that depict the conflict between demon and god are performed.
Holy candles are shared among everyone in the crowd as mantras are shouted.
Also, a traditional dance that portrays a conflict between a deer and the King
is performed. Fireworks are set off to drive away evil spirits. There are
performances of traditional dances like Syabru.
What makes Gyalpo Lhosar unique?
Those that participate in this festival have a great time
doing various things. They execute spiritual performances while wearing
traditional clothing, singing and dancing in unison, playing musical
instruments, eating and drinking a variety of homemade foods, and gathering.
People go to the monasteries, chhortens, and stupas in the area. Certain
ceremonial dances, which are based on the Tibetan lunar calendar, depict the
struggle between Gods and Demons.
The Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu is illuminated and decorated
for Gyalpo Lhosar, Nepal's New Year event. People start getting ready for Losar,
a holiday that marks the start of the New Year, in February in Nepal, Tibet,
and many neighboring Asian countries. The government of Nepal should place
special focus on the celebration of its festivals, such as Lhosar, and protect
and encourage their practice.
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