| Sonam Lhosar | |
| Native Name: | सोनाम ल्होसार |
| Native Name Lang: | ne |
| Frequency: | Annually (on Magh Sukla Pratipada, under eastern lunar calendar) |
| Country: | Nepal, India |
| People: | Tamang, Hyolmo |
Sonam Lhosar is a New Year's day festival of the Tamang and Hyolmo people of Nepal as well as Sikkim and Darjeeling regions of India. It falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice which is usually the Magh Sukla Pratipada based on the eastern lunar calendar.
Years are associated with 12 different animals - Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Eagle, Snake, Horse, Goat/Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Boar.[1] [2] Historically, the festival is celebrated after harvesting the crops.[3]
In Sonam Lhosar the Hyolmo people visit monasteries and stupas sacrifice themselves meanwhile special rituals with mask dance are performed to drive away evil spirits. The houses and surroundings are cleaned to welcome gods and goddesses.
Beef, pork, chicken, mutton, fish, and sweet desserts are consumed in the Sonam Lhosar. Khapsey and Babar (kind a like chapati but made of rice) and Thongsey are mainly eaten in Hyolmo Community. People wear traditional dresses and jewellery to participate in cultural events and exchange the greetings with each another. Tamang Selo and the Damphu is played in the festival for dance. Syabru is commonly dance in Hyolmo Community.[4]