Sikkim, Jan 2: Sonam Lochar is a festival celebrated in Sikkim and Nepal. This auspicious festival marks the rise of the new moon during the month of Magh in the Bikram Sambat calendar. This day is known by different names in the two places it is celebrated. As the people of Sikkim call it Sonal Lochar, on the other hand, the resident of Nepal is celebrated as Sonam Lohosar.
WHO CELEBRATES SONAM LOCHAR?
The Sonam Lochar is celebrated by the Tamang community in monasteries or at home. To mark the occasion, people offer prayers. People also visit the relative places of their family and seek their blessings. This is the new year of the Tamang community.
The Tamang community calendar associates the 12 months with different animals each represented by a zodiac animal, following the same order as Lunar New Year. These 12 animals are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat/Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Boar. During the age of no calendars, people used to calculate ages through the 12-rotation system.
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HOW IS SONAM LOCHAR CELEBRATED?
Sonam Lochar mark as a public holiday in the areas where the day is celebrated. Apart from praying, people sing, dance, and enjoy the day with their friends and families. People also clean their houses and decorate them as it is believed that god enters the cleaned house only.
Traditional mask dance is performed by the community which is known as Tamang Selo. People perform Tamang Selo dance in masks which is believed to keep evil powers away and bring positivity in life. The dance is performed wearing the traditional dress ‘Gusto’. The dress itself signifies the culture, religion, tradition, and spirit of the Tamangs. Traditional drums known as Damphu are also played on a festive day.
The stupas, monasteries, house rooftops, and mountain tops are decorated with colorful prayer flags and other items. It is believed that these prayer flags bring peace and harmony. The traditional festival portrays the tradition of Tamangs.
