The Tola Lhosar festival, observed on the first day of the waxing moon in the month of Poush according to the lunar calendar, is being celebrated today in the districts of Humla, Jumla, Dolpa, Mugu, and Manang.
Tola Lhosar, regarded as the oldest among the various Lhosar festivals, signifies the “wheel of time” and is also referred to as the Time Cycle Year. This celebration aligns with the rituals of Sonam Lhosar, the New Year festival observed by the Tamang community, although the two are celebrated on different dates.
While Tola Lhosar is celebrated in Poush, the Tamang community observes Sonam Lhosar a month later, on the day of Magh Shukla Pratipada. Despite the shared rituals, the festivals retain their unique significance. Tola Lhosar is also celebrated in regions of Bhutan and Tibet, continuing its cultural significance across borders.
Derived from the Tibetan words “Lho” (year) and “Sar” (new), Lhosar translates to “New Year,” symbolizing the commencement of a fresh cycle. The festival includes traditional practices where participants cleanse their homes and courtyards, applying a mixture of clay and cow dung for purification.
Lama priests or family elders lead the religious ceremonies, which include offerings of wheat and barley flour tossed skyward to symbolize the victory of gods over demons and the dispelling of evil spirits. Blessings are received from elders and priests, and the occasion is marked with the sharing of traditional delicacies such as Babari Roti, Phuraula, and various tubers.
The Tola Lhosar festival represents a vibrant blend of cultural heritage, spiritual rituals, and communal harmony, making it a cornerstone of Nepal’s diverse traditions.
