Tibetan New Year Of (Losar)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                The Tibetan New Year, also known as Losar, is the most important festival of the Tibetan calendar. "Lo" means year, and "sar" means new. It is celebrated over a period of two weeks, usually during the months of December and January. Apart from Tibet, the New Year is also celebrated in Sherpa, Yolmo, and Bhutan. In general, the first three days of celebration are the main part of the festival. These three days are celebrated with a lot of customary traditions.

Losar Date: first-third of the first lunar month (Tibetan Calendar)
Losar Festival 2013 Date: Feb 11, 2013 in the solar calendar

The Festival of Losar in Tibet is the biggest event of the year. Celebrated with great fervor, the event is filled with ancient ceremonies commemorating the struggle between good and evil. The Tibetan people out in the streets and singing, go flaming torches, dancing and singing - usually a time for joy, in essence! The last day of the previous year is a day to prepare for the coming New Year. The beards of all monasteries in the best decorations and a blessing ceremony is performed to retain the first day of Losar. The houses are freshly painted, families dress up in new clothes, good food and special dishes are cooked and there is a wonderful air of expectation of what the New Year holds.


The celebration of Losar earlier Buddhism in Tibet and goes back to the pre-Buddhist Bön period. At this early Bön tradition, every winter held a spiritual ceremony, in which people offered large quantities of incense to appease the local spirits, deities and 'protectors' (Tibetan: Chos skyong; Sanskrit: Dharmapalas) . This religious festival later evolved into an annual Buddhist festival which is believed to have originated during the reign of Gungyal I could, the ninth king of Tibet. The festival is said to have begun when an old woman named Belma introduced the measurement based on the phases of the moon time. This festival is held during the flowering apricot trees Yarla Shampo region in autumn Lhokha, and may have been the first celebration of what has become the Tibetan New Year festival 2013traditional farmers. It was during this period that the arts of cultivation, irrigation, refining iron ore and building bridges were first introduced in Tibet. The ceremonies which were instituted to celebrate these new capabilities can be recognized as precursors of the Losar festival. Later when the rudiments of astrology, based on the five elements, were introduced in Tibet, this farmer's festival became what we now call the Losar or New Year festival.

Losar also known as Bal Gyal Lo. Bal is Tibet, Gyal is King, Lo is year. The Tibetan New Year has been celebrated since the date of inauguration of the first king. The project began with the first king. It was why he was known as Bal Gyal Lo.


practice

The Tibetan calendar is made up of twelve lunar months and Losar begins on the first day of the first month. In the monasteries, the celebrations for the Losar begin on the twenty-ninth day of the twelfth month. That's the day before the eve of the Tibetan New Year. On that day the monasteries do bid protector deities' (a special kind of ritual) and begin preparations for the Losar celebrations. The custom that day is to make special noodle called guthuk. Becomes nine different ingredients, including dry cheese and various grains. Also, dumplings come with various ingredients hidden in them such as chilies, salt, wool, rice and coal. The ingredients are hidden in one ball of dough is supposed to be a gay character in one comment. If a person finds chilies in their dough, it means they are talkative. If white ingredients like salt, wool or rice are inside the dough it is considered a good sign. If a person finds coal in the dough it has much the same meaning as finding coal in one's Christmas stocking; that means you have a "black heart."

The last day of the year is a time to clean and prepare for the New Year approaching. In monasteries it is a day of preparation. The best decorations are presented and elaborate offerings are made called "Lama Losar". At dawn of this day, the monks of Namgyal Monastery offer a 'sacrificial cake' (Tibetan: tor ma) at the top of the main temple (Potala in Tibet) to the supreme hierarchy of Dharma protectors, the Palden Lhamo glorious goddess. Led by the Dalai Lama, the abbots of three great monasteries, lamas, reincarnated monks or tulku, government officials and dignitaries join the ceremony and offer their contemplative prayers, while the monks of Namgyal Monastery recite the invocation of Palden Lhamo. After performing this ceremony, all assemble in the hall called Excellence of Samsara and Nirvana for a formal greeting ceremony. Sitting in their respective cushions, everyone exchanges the traditional greeting, "Tashi Delek" .

To wish Dalai Lama good luck for the coming year, consecrated 'sacred pills' (Tibetan: ril bu) made of roasted barley dough are offered to him by the representatives of the three great monasteries, the two Tantric Colleges, etc. then animators (Garma) perform a dance of good wishes. and two senior monks stage a debate on Buddhist philosophy, and conclude their discussion with an auspicious recitation composed especially for the event, in the the whole spectrum of Buddhist teaching is first reviewed briefly. the application is made to the Dalai Lama and to all holders of the doctrine to remain for a long time amongst beings in samsara (Sanskrit) in order to serve them through their enlightened activities. the official ceremony of the day concludes with a ceremonial farewell to the his Holiness, who then retires to his palace.

The second day of Losar is known as King's Losar (gyal-po lo-sar) because officially the day is reserved for a secular gathering in the hall of Excellence of Samsara and Nirvana. His Holiness and his government exchange greetings with both monastic and lay dignitaries, such as representatives of China, India, Bhutan, Nepal, Mongolia and other foreign visitors.

Then from the third day onwards, people and monks begin to celebrate and enjoy the festive season. In many parts of Tibet, Losar is celebrated for fifteen days or more. In India it is celebrated for three days. In other countries celebrations may be as little as one day.

The Losar is also celebrated in Nepal and India as well, where there is a heavy concentration of Buddhist population in states like Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal and Ladakh in Kashmir. The Monpa tribe of Tawang and the Memba valley of Arunachal celebrate Losar Mechukha. However, the Memba of Mechukha celebrate Losar one month earlier than the other Losar-celebrating peoples.


The history of Losar

The word Losar is a Tibetan word for New Year. The word is composed of two characters: Min and Sar. It means New Year and Sar means. The celebration of Losar can be traced back to the period before the Tibetan Buddhist. At that time, the Tibetans were followers of the Bon religion, and held a spiritual ceremony every winter. During the ceremonies, people burned a lot of incense to appease the local spirits, deities and protectors. Later, this religious festival became an annual Buddhist festival, solar energy, in the reign of Gungyal I could, the ninth king of Tibet.

It is also believed that the festival had begun when an old woman named Belma introduced the measurement of time for Tibet based on the phases of the moon. This festival is celebrated in autumn, when the apricot trees blossomed. It may have been the first celebration of the feast of traditional farmers. It was during this period that the arts of cultivation of soils were first introduced in Tibet. Religious ceremonies began to celebrate these new capabilities, and these celebrations are believed to lead to the Losar festival.

Importance of Losar

As Tibetans around the world prepare to celebrate their biggest celebration of the year; is not surprising to learn that Losar is the most special occasion for them to exchange warm greetings to fellow relatives, friends and neighbors and everyone around him.

Losar, for Tibetans, means massive celebration, complete relaxation and lots of parties with plenty of festive-meals and be better clothes closets. Offering khatas (traditional greeting scarves) in home altars, in monasteries and around each other with sincere greeting Tashi Delek all mean the auspicious flowering and greater prosperity.

"It's time again for prosperous Losar," Tibetans usually celebrate.

It's the time of year for the final meeting of the family, luxury spending and cheerful home environment. It is a culture valued by Tibetans to be kind, hospitable and welcoming to guests, but in the days of Losar those cherished values that are more visible.

Tradition says that one has to be very warm, generous and welcoming during Losar celebration. A bright and cheerful mood on Losar is supposedly created to guarantee that a person will be blessed with good expression and happy throughout the year.

A guest at a Tibetan family during Losar is always received with the utmost hospitality. Among other things, an abundant and overflowing Chang food always expect a guest. So do Tibetans sincerely welcome guests extend for Losar.


Tourism Tibetan New Year

The Tibetan New Year offers travelers a great opportunity to enjoy the annual festive occasion together with local Tibetan people. During the festival, a series of activities to celebrate Tibetan style will be held during this period. Tibetans held by some ancient ceremonies that represent the struggle between good and evil. Lamas are singing and passing fire torches through the crowd. People perform the dance of the deer and fun battles between the king and his ministers, and so on, people are cheering for the coming New Year by dancing, singing, and revelry.

During the Tibetan New Year, local Tibetans go to Lhasa to pray for blessings in monasteries and make a pilgrimage around the ring. Tourists can also see a hilarious scene in Barkhor Street and Jokhang Temple. Some sports competitions are also held at the Barkhor Square Street during festivals. The rich activities celebrating the Tibetan New Year meant to be one of the most attractive festivals in Tibet Tibetan Calendar.

Tourists make a tour of Tibet in February could not only appreciate the picturesque scenery of snow in the beautiful sunshine, but also enjoy the special festive atmosphere, the Tibetans and Tibetan Opera acrobatics. Both the world's highest peak - Mount Everest and China, most beautiful snow mountain-Namjagbarwa show its best without being covered by fog.

Although most areas of Tibet are still very cold in February, Lhasa is a city without a cold winter and hot summer. But there is a large temperature difference between day and night. During the day, people can enjoy the warm sun, while a bottom layer is a must. However, you need not worry too much about it. With the development of tourism in Tibet, tourist facilities have been greatly improved in recent years. Hotels with air conditioning or heat supply are available in Lhasa. Of course, cheap guesthouses will be a bad choice in winter for not providing heat. In fact, most of the hotels in Lhasa offer discount price to attract tourists in winter.

Since direct flights and trains to Lhasa are only available in certain cities, including Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chongqing, it might be difficult to get a ticket during the summer which is the peak time of tourism Tibet. But in winter, it is much easier to book a train ticket or flight to Lhasa. Some airlines may even offer substantial discounts.


Routine Losar

With mild odor of traditional snack-khabse sweet and sour smell in the air overflowing Chang; Losar begins offering deals and Chemar Chang and exchanging greetings saying Tashi Delek (ie, prosperity, sound health and goodness!) To their relatives and neighbors.

The New Year's Day, even young Tibetans carry Chuba (traditional Tibetan dress) and pay their first visit of the year to a temple with his family in the early morning. After that, the Tibetans do nothing but feast on the food and beverages that have been prepared with much effort. The New Year's Day to celebrate family and everyone spends time with family or neighbors.

From the second day onwards, then visit their relatives and family friends. They see feats of others and have parties full of drinking and singing and dancing. In the days of Losar, Tibetans do not miss the opportunity to enjoy gambling with Sho games (dice), or Pakchen (Mah-jong). In recent times, many have fallen cards too. For young Tibetans Losar is the time to thicken their pockets with lots of money gift.

On the third day, as the party continues, replace the Tibetans Dhar-choks-year-old-Shings Dhar (hoisting prayer flags) on the roof of their houses with new ones and burn thick bunches of Sang (Incense) . When lifting, barley flour is thrown in the air screaming Kyi Kyi-So-So Lha Gyalo !!! (Happiness, happiness and let victory is God).


food

Gutu

December 29 New Year's Eve. On the day, Tibetans will change new cloth for window and door; vapors new sutra adhere to the ceiling; auspicious designs painted on the door, the walls and the kitchen to make festive atmosphere. At night, all family members sit together to have "Gutu" (古 突 Tū gǔ), which is similar to the reunion dinner in the Han nationality. Gutu pastry with stone wool, charcoal was dropped coins and other things in it. People who eat these things have to bring to life spells and heart. Stone has no heart; Wool has a good heart; Coal is vicious; while the coin rich. Therefore, all hotly discussing and laughing and happiness quickly to orgasm. Then the family use to make tsampa succubae and two bowls and pour bones and scraps left Gutu in bowls; ask a woman rushing to throw punches succubae and a man who was fired with dry hay and say the words :! succubae out, succubae out "then shoot the leftover ash and succubae At the same time, children. will launch firecrackers to ward off evil and welcome auspicious Year.


Qiangku

QiangkuIn the first day of the New Year, the hostess will be up early. About 5 am, a pot of "qiangku" (Qiang Kū 羌 枯) consisting of tsampa, black sugar and barley wine and send it to every member of the family will be prepared. The family members will not rise; drink up "qiangku" and sleep again. The hostess seated next to the window to wait for the sunrise. When the sun barely rises, she will come to the river or lake to get the first bottle of water in the new year. In the legends, the water at that time is the most pure and sweet. On the first day, people are going to close the door to refuse customers. The streets are sad. People celebrate the festival and have only religious activities at home.


Kasai

KasaiThe work of preparing the New Year's party starts from the beginning of December last year. Except things to eat, drink and play, every family will have a "Qiema" (qie mǎ 切玛), which is a wooden box with colorful designs on it, and barley and fried tsampa that is mixed with butter on left and right side of the box, tassels and colorful butter barley flower. They will use the water to absorb a blow from barley seeds and grow out green crops in the coming year. Cultures "Qiema" sacrifice amid the religious desk to pray for harvest in the next year. When the festival, men were busy cleaning the house, while the women were busy making "Kasai" (Sài Kǎ 卡 赛) which is a type of wheat meal butter in ear shape, form butterfly, rectangular, square, circle shape and other shapes, color and covered by sugar. It is a book on the table and delicacies to entertain clients. The types and color of "Kasai" is the symbol of the diligent, intelligent, good-hearted is the hostess. So it is outstanding in festival.