Happy Losar

Today is Losar, the Tibetan new year. This year, 2138, is the year of the Iron Female Rabbit or Hare.

Losar is the most important holiday in Tibet and is celebrated for 15 days, with the main celebrations on the first three days. In ancient times when the peach tree blossomed, it was considered as the starting of a new year. Since the systematisation of the Tibetan calendar in 1027 A.D., the first day of the first month became fixed as the new year or Losar. On New Year's Day, each home will open its door with prayers and fetch the first bucket of water of the year. People will greet each other with well-meaning wishes- "Tashi Deleg". Losar is a colourful week of activities including Tibetan drama, pilgrims making incense offerings and other folk activities such as wrestling, weight throwing, tug-of-war and horse-racing Tibetans dressed in their finest crowding the streets. It brings together family from far and near for prayer and celebration.

And if you thought Tibetan culture was stuck in the past how about this song for Losar.