Tamu Lhosar is a New Year festival and one of the biggest festivals for the Gurung community celebrated by the Gurung (Tamu) community in Nepal, marking the beginning of their new year according to the Tamu Sambat (Gurung calendar). It usually falls on 15th Poush (December 30 or 31) in the Nepali calendar.
Significance & Celebration
• New Year Festival: Tamu Lhosar symbolizes the end of the old year and the beginning of a new one in the Gurung calendar.
• Lho System (Zodiac Cycle): Gurungs follow a 12-year cycle similar to the Tibetan and Chinese zodiac, where each year is associated with an animal sign (Garuda, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Bird, Dog, Deer, Mouse, Cow, Tiger, and Cat).
• Cultural Performances: People wear traditional Gurung attire, perform dances (Ghatu, Sorathi), and sing folk songs.
• Community Gatherings: Big Celebrations take place where Families and relatives come together to feast on traditional foods such as sel roti, delicious curries and local meat dishes.