KATHMANDU: The Sherpa community celebrated Gyalpo Lhosar with great joy and enthusiasm on Wednesday.

The word “Lho” means year and “Sar” means new. Sherpas observe this festival as their New Year.

On this occasion, Sherpa families clean their homes, neighborhoods, pathways, and water sources. They prepare and enjoy traditional dishes such as Guthuk—a special soup made from a mixture of nine types of grains—and Khapse. People exchange good wishes and welcome the New Year together. The festival is regarded as an opportunity to strengthen family and social bonds.

The celebration becomes even more meaningful with the performance of the traditional Syabru dance, the melodious tunes of the Tungna (Damnyang), and collective festivities that bring the community together.

As a New Year festival, Gyalpo Lhosar carries hopes, enthusiasm, and happiness, and it is believed to promote love, brotherhood, harmony, and unity within society.

On the occasion of Gyalpo Lhosar, Sherpas dressed in their traditional attire gathered at Sifal Chaur in Kathmandu to share happiness and celebrate together.

Here are some photos of the celebrations at Sifal: