Tamu Lhosar
| Tamu Lhosar | |
|---|---|
Tamu Lhosar celebration with Ghatu Dance | |
| Observed by | Gurung communities |
| Type | Gurung festival |
| Significance | Signifies the beginning of the Tamu or Gurung calendar |
| Observances | People gather together, sing traditional songs, and perform traditional dances |
| Date | 15th day of the Nepali month Pausha |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Related to | Losar, Losoong |
Tamu Lhosar is a new year festival celebrated by the Gurung people on every 15th Poush (December/January) of the Nepali calendar. It is observed as a public holiday.
Similar to the Lhosars celebrated by other ethnic groups such as Tamangs and Sherpas, the Gurungs divide the years into 12 cycles, known as Lohokor, with each cycle represented by a different animal. These animals are the eagle, serpent, horse, sheep, monkey, bird, dog, deer, mouse, cow, tiger and cat.
In Tamu kyi, the word Lhosar represents "new" (Lho) and "change" (Sar), with each of the 12 animals signifying a new Lho. The celebration of Lhosar signifies a farewell to the existing Lho to welcome the new one.