Losar Festival
Losar, meaning “New Year” in Tibetan, is the most cherished traditional festival in Tibetan regions, with a long history and deep cultural meaning.
Preparations are full of warmth: families make crisp, flower-shaped yak butter pastries called Kapsey, and craft the sacred Chema box filled with dyed barley flowers, roasted grains and tsampa, to give thanks to nature and pray for a fruitful year ahead.
The festive rituals begin with Guthuk on the 29th day of the old Tibetan lunar month. Families gather to eat special dough-drop noodles with symbolic fillings, then light firecrackers and burn incense to ward off evil and welcome good fortune. On New Year’s Eve Nanga, families stay at home in traditional dress, speaking kindly and sharing joy for a smooth new start.
On the first day of the new year, Tibetans in colorful Chupa dresses visit neighbors with Chema boxes, throw barley in the air three times in prayer, and exchange heartfelt “Tashi Delek” blessings.
More than a festival, Losar is a hope for renewal. For travelers, it is the most touching way to experience genuine Tibetan culture, family warmth and ancient traditions.
Unlike before, now in Tibet, during that precious festival, locals prefer to visit the monasteries in their colorful traditional dress and you will find such devoted atmosphere in most monasteries sites. Even we “Tibet Roof of World” can arrange special Losar Tour to our international friends to experience it in more authentic and traditional customs.
