KATHMANDU: Monday marks Sonam Lhosar, the New Year festival of the Tamang community in Nepal.

Sonam Lhosar is divided into a 12-year cycle represented by the following animal signs: Mouse, Cow, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Bird, Dog, and Pig.

The word “Lhosar” is derived from two words – “Lho,” meaning year, and “Sar” (or “Chhar”), meaning new. On this day, the Tamang community celebrates the festival with special traditional and cultural importance.

The festival is observed not only by the Tamang community living in Nepal’s high Himalayan and hilly regions but also by Buddhist communities in neighboring China and other areas, where the New Year is welcomed with joy and festivity.

Here are some glimpses of the celebrations at Tundikhel, Kathmandu, on Monday, as captured in photos captured by Nepal Photo Library: