📅 holiday

Sonam Losar

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

— days to go

Sonam Losar, meaning New Year in Nepalese, is celebrated in Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, and India. In 2027, Sonam Losar falls on Sunday 7 February. The holiday will be on Wednesday 26 January in 2028. It is observed for a full 15 days, though only the first three days receive excessive attention. Sonam Losar occurs around the same time of year as does Chinese and Mongolian New Year, and it uses the Chinese Calendar as well. In reality, the central area where Sonam Losar is celebrated is Tibet, but certain ethnic groups in Nepal, particularly the Tamang, also keep it. The Tamang constitute eight percent of Nepal’s population, are 90 percent Buddhist, and have a distinct language and culture. They traditionally live in the central highlands of Nepal, including in the capital city of Kathmandu. However, Tamang have now relocated to all regions of Nepal, to neighboring areas of northern India, to Bhutan, and to Burma. In Nepal, Sonam Losar falls on the first new moon of the month called “Magh,” which lands it anywhere from early January to mid-February. Note that those who celebrate Sonam Losar in Nepal also observe the 12 animal symbols associated with particular years, as do the Chinese. They will often attach significance to whether it is the year of the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, or boar. The Tamang begin to prepare for Sonam Losar on the final day of the 12th month. They clean their houses and try to get in the mindset of “welcoming the new year.” Buddhist monasteries will perform rituals that include masked dances, which are supposed to drive away “forces of negativity.” Many people go to monasteries, temples, and shrines to take part in various ceremonies on “Sonam Losar Eve”. The celebrants will also buy new clothes and wear them on New Year’s Day. They will decorate their homes as well, as if donning them in new apparel. When they sweep out their houses, they say it serves to “sweep away ill fortune.” When they adorn their doors and windows with coloured paper and cloth, they print on them themes of “good luck,” “long life,” and “happiness.” Finally, families gather together to enjoy a festive dinner, where pork, duck, chicken, and various sweet desserts are served. Three activities for tourists to take part in if in Nepal during Sonam Losar are as follows: Anyone visiting Nepal around the time of Sonam Losar will find many events celebrating this holiday to attend. In particular, it will be a good time to learn of the Tamang people, for whom Sonam Losar is of major importance. While in the country, however, one can also learn of the culture and history of Nepal in general.

History

Sonam Losar, meaning New Year in Nepalese, is celebrated in Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, and India. It is observed for a full 15 days, though only the first three days receive excessive attention. Sonam Losar occurs around the same time of year as does Chinese and Mongolian New Year, and it uses the Chinese Calendar as well. They traditionally live in the central highlands of Nepal, including in the capital city of Kathmandu. In Nepal, Sonam Losar falls on the first new moon of the month called “Magh,”

How It's Celebrated

Sonam Losar, meaning New Year in Nepalese, is celebrated in Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, and India. The holiday will be on Wednesday 26 January in 2028. It is observed for a full 15 days, though only the first three days receive excessive attention. In reality, the central area where Sonam Losar is celebra

Other Years

2026 Wed

18 Feb

2027 Sun

7 Feb

2028 Wed

26 Jan

2025 Thu

30 Jan

2024 Sat

10 Feb

Countries

🇳🇵 NP

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CHESVA +1

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