Monasteries and Tibetan communities welcome the new year with prayers, masked dances, prayer flags and family feasts.
The story
- The Tibetan New Year. In Dharamsala it starts at dawn with prayers and offerings at the Tsuglagkhang, led by monks of Namgyal Monastery.
- That dawn offering goes back to the Second Dalai Lama, more than five centuries ago.
- In India it's kept for three days; in old Tibet it lasted fifteen or more.
What happens
- Losar day
Tibetan New Year
Prayers at monasteries and family gatherings; celebrations run for about 15 days.
Best places to see it
What to eat
Khapse
Fried, sweet pastries twisted into ribbons and coils, made days before Losar.
Made in Tibetan homes in the days before Losar.
Guthuk
A noodle soup of nine ingredients eaten around Losar, with dough balls that hide a small object said to show your character.
Made in Tibetan homes around Losar.
Know before you go
- Some communities, such as Ladakh, mark Losar on a different date; check locally.
- Dress warmly, because February is cold in the hills.
- Be respectful in monasteries and ask before taking photos.
Organised by
Community celebration (monasteries and Tibetan communities)
There's no single organiser. Local committees, temples and families make it happen, so welcome and etiquette matter more than tickets.