In 2025, Tibetan New Year (also known as Losar) will fall on 28th February. It is one of the most important festivals in Tibet, to celebrate the arrival of the new year and the harvest season. In addition, Losar is also widely celebrated in the Himalayan regions, including India (especially in the state of Sikkim), Nepal and Bhutan.
Tibetan performers dance to celebrate Tibetan New Year
How Long is the Tibetan New Year 2025?
Tibetan New Year lasts for 15 days (from February 28th till March 14th 2025), but like many other festivals in the world, the New Year’s Eve and the first 3 days are the main celebrations with in Tibetan families.
What Can You Expect During Tibetan New Year 2025?
During the month of Tibetan New Year, there is a strong religious atmosphere and it is a grand festival that combines entertainment, celebration, and praying. Here are some highlights if you plan to
travel to Tibet during the new year time:
1. Special New Year CuisineGuthuk is a special noodle recipe that's traditionally made on the Tibetan New Year Eve. The dish contains dumplings with different ingredients in them. A certain ingredient can be a good omen. Finding white ingredients such as salt or rice is a sign of good fortune. A pebble is a sign of good luck.
2. Monlam - New Year Ceremony Monlam (means “wish-path” in Tibetan), is an important festive ceremony of the Gelug sect in Tibetan Buddhism, and will be held at Drepung, Sera and Ganden Monastery in Lhasa from the 4th to the 25th day of the first lunar month. The most important activities of this grand event are chanting, praying and debating scriptures. Tibetan monks believe that chanting and praying will bring happiness to all beings and bring peace and prosperity to the Tibetan plateau. Learn more about
Monlam Festival.
Monks pray during the Monlam ceremony in Lhasa
3. Butter Lamp Festival - Ending of the New YearOn the 15th day of the first lunar month in the Tibetan calendar (14th of March, 2025) - the last day of the new year, people will display various lanterns with the carved butter sculptures, which are shaped in the image of flowers, animals, deities and other characters to celebrate the "Butter Lamp Festival". During the Lamp Festival, there are also cultural and artistic activities such as Cham dance in the temple. Performers wear masks and embroidered robes, singing and dancing alongside instrumental music such as loudspeakers, suona, cowhide drums, gongs, and drums. At night, various temples hang lanterns and colorful decorations, making it very lively.
