Lhosar

Several indigenous communities in hilly and mountain areas celebrate Lhosar as the New Year festival. Festive activities like singing, dancing, and feasting are observed across the country. Losar is celebrated for 15 days, with the main celebrations on the first three days. On the first day of Losar, a beverage called changkol is made from Chhaang (a Tibetan cousin of beer). The second day of Losar is known as King's Losar (also Losar). Losar is traditionally preceded by the five-day practice of Vajrakilaya. Although it often falls on the same day as the Chinese New Year (sometimes with one day or occasionally with one lunar month difference), it is generally not thought to be culturally directly connected to that holiday. It is culturally more related to Tsagaan Sar in Mongolia than to the Chinese New Year festivity. Losar is also celebrated in Bhutan, although different regions in the country have their own respective new years. The Sonam Losar or Lhochaar, is celebrated by the Sherpas it mostly falls in the month of February. Tamangs, Sherpas and Gurungs celebrate Lhosar on different dates.