Tamu Lhosar, commonly referred to as the Gurung New Year, is one of the most prominent festivals celebrated by the Gurung community in Nepal. The festival marks the beginning of the Tamu New Year, as per the Tamu (Gurung) calendar, and falls on the 15th of Poush (December-January) in the Nepali calendar. “Lho” means year, and “Sar” means new, hence Tamu Lhosar literally translates to “New Year.”
Historical Background and Meaning of Tamu Lhosar
The Gurung people, an ethnic group indigenous to the western and central parts of Nepal, have a rich cultural heritage. The festival of Tamu Lhosar holds significant historical and cultural importance as it marks the end of the old year and welcomes the new year with prayers, rituals, and community gatherings.
According to Gurung tradition, Tamu Lhosar is based on the lunar calendar and is closely tied to the Tibetan calendar. It is believed that the Gurung people have been celebrating this festival for centuries to mark the start of a new cycle in their lives, signifying hope, prosperity, and good fortune for the coming year. The festival is also a way of preserving their ethnic identity, culture, and traditions.
The Gurung people follow a cyclical system of time based on 12 different animals, which resemble the Chinese zodiac system. These animals, each representing a year in a 12-year cycle, include the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Bird, Dog, and Pig. Each year is associated with a specific animal sign, and people believe that the characteristics of that animal influence the events of the year.
Preparations for Tamu Lhosar
As with many festivals in Nepal, preparations for Tamu Lhosar begin days in advance. Homes are cleaned and decorated, and families prepare traditional food and drinks. It is a time of joy and renewal, as people bid farewell to the hardships of the past year and look forward to the new beginnings the new year brings.
Some key elements of preparation include:
- Decorating Homes:
- Homes are decorated with colorful traditional items, especially with Tibetan prayer flags, which represent peace, compassion, and wisdom.
- Flowers, lights, and symbols of good fortune are displayed at the entrance and inside the homes.
- Traditional Attire:
- People wear Gurung traditional dresses such as Bhangra for men and Gunyu-Cholo for women, adding to the festive atmosphere.
- This attire reflects their deep connection with their ancestral heritage, and it is also worn during the main events and rituals of the festival.
- Preparing Special Foods:
- Special foods such as Sel Roti, Khapse (deep-fried biscuits), Ghyu Chaku (molasses), and Aila (homemade liquor) are prepared.
- Meat dishes, especially made from chicken, pork, and mutton, form an integral part of the Lhosar feast.
- Sharing meals with family and friends during Tamu Lhosar symbolizes unity, bonding, and collective well-being.
Celebrations of Tamu Lhosar
1. Communal Gatherings and Rituals:
On the day of Tamu Lhosar, Gurung families come together to perform rituals at home and in community spaces. Elders and religious leaders conduct prayers to the deities, offering rice, grains, and incense. These prayers are offered for protection, peace, and prosperity in the coming year.
In larger Gurung communities, people gather at Gumbas (Buddhist monasteries) to offer prayers and light butter lamps. The religious ceremonies and chanting of mantras are seen as important for welcoming the new year with purity and positive energy. Additionally, the Gurung people visit sacred sites to offer respects to their ancestors and the natural elements.
2. Traditional Cultural Programs:
A significant aspect of Tamu Lhosar celebrations is the cultural performances that showcase the rich Gurung heritage. These include:
- Traditional Gurung dances such as the Ghatu and Sorathi, where young men and women perform coordinated movements to the rhythm of drums, flutes, and other musical instruments.
- Singing of folk songs that recount the stories of the Gurung people, their history, and their legends.
- Games and sports such as archery and tug-of-war, often organized in open spaces, where people from all age groups participate.
These cultural events help in fostering unity and pride within the Gurung community, while also providing entertainment to both locals and visitors. Large gatherings often take place in cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara, where the urban Gurung population celebrates Tamu Lhosar with equal fervor.
3. Feasting and Socializing:
Feasting plays a central role during Tamu Lhosar, with families and friends coming together to share a variety of traditional dishes. Food and drink are considered vital elements for starting the new year with abundance and prosperity. Meat, rice, lentils, and other staple foods are prepared in large quantities, and guests are warmly welcomed with lavish meals.
Communal feasting symbolizes unity and the spirit of sharing, which is crucial in maintaining harmony within the community. Elders bless the younger generation during the meal, and there are often speeches and wishes exchanged for a prosperous year ahead.
4. Symbol of Ethnic Pride and Identity:
For the Gurung people, Tamu Lhosar is not just a festival, but a symbol of their ethnic pride and identity. It serves as a reminder of their rich cultural heritage and the need to preserve and pass it on to future generations. The festival is also an opportunity for the Gurung diaspora, whether in Nepal or abroad, to reconnect with their roots, as it is celebrated with equal enthusiasm in countries like India, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and the United States, where the Gurung community has established a presence.
Modern Celebrations of Tamu Lhosar
In recent times, Tamu Lhosar has evolved into a larger cultural celebration that extends beyond the Gurung community. In cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara, Tamu Lhosar is celebrated in grand style, with mass gatherings, processions, and cultural programs that are attended by people from different communities. It has become a platform to showcase the diversity and unity of Nepal’s cultural mosaic.
The Government of Nepal recognizes Tamu Lhosar as an official holiday in Gurung-majority regions, allowing people to take part in the celebrations freely. Political leaders, social activists, and public figures often attend these events, reinforcing the importance of cultural diversity in the nation’s identity.
The Cultural and Social Significance of Tamu Lhosar
Tamu Lhosar holds immense cultural and social significance for the Gurung people. Culturally, it reflects their agricultural roots and spiritual beliefs, emphasizing the need for harmony with nature and with one another. It is also a reminder of the rich oral history and traditions that define the Gurung identity.
On a social level, Tamu Lhosar reinforces the importance of community ties and intergenerational bonding. Elders bless the younger members of the community, ensuring that traditions are passed on. It is also a time for forgiveness and reconciliation, where people resolve past conflicts and start the new year with a clean slate.
Conclusion
Tamu Lhosar is a vibrant and joyous festival that brings the Gurung community together in celebration of the new year. Rooted in cultural traditions and spiritual beliefs, it is a time to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to a prosperous future. The festival serves as a key marker of the Gurung people’s ethnic pride and identity, while also fostering unity, harmony, and social bonding.
Through communal gatherings, traditional dances, rituals, and feasting, Tamu Lhosar encapsulates the spirit of the Gurung people, ensuring that their cultural heritage continues to thrive in both rural and urban settings. Whether in the villages of Nepal or the global diaspora, Tamu Lhosar stands as a powerful testament to the enduring cultural richness of the Gurung community.
References
- Sharma, Jitendra.Ethnic Festivals of Nepal: Celebrations of Gurung and Magar Communities. Kathmandu Publishing House, 2019.
- A detailed book on the festivals celebrated by the Gurung and Magar communities in Nepal, including their cultural and social significance.
- Gurung, Tara. “Tamu Lhosar: The New Year Celebration of the Gurung People.” Nepal Heritage Journal, vol. 5, no. 3, 2017, pp. 38-45.
- An academic article exploring the historical and cultural roots of Tamu Lhosar in the Gurung community.
- Nepal Tourism Board. “Tamu Lhosar Celebrations: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity.” Nepal Cultural Bulletin, 2020.
- A report by the Nepal Tourism Board on the contemporary celebrations of Tamu Lhosar in urban areas and its significance for promoting Nepali culture.
- Rai, Anjali. “Gurung New Year: Preserving Heritage Through Tamu Lhosar.” Nepal Times, December 2021.
- A newspaper article discussing how the younger generation of Gurung people are keeping their traditions alive through Tamu Lhosar celebrations.
