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About Losoong

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About Losoong

Losoong is the New Year of the Bhutia people of Sikkim and the end of the harvest season. It begins on the first day of the eleventh Tibetan month, in December, and is celebrated together with Namsoong, the New Year of the Lepcha people. It is also called Sonam Losoong, the farmers' New Year.

Before the New Year, monasteries hold the chaam, the sacred masked dances. At the Tsuklakhang palace monastery in Gangtok, at Phodong, Rumtek and other monasteries, monks dance to drive away the bad luck of the old year, and an effigy of evil is burnt.

Homes are cleaned and decorated, and families cook feasts with khapse biscuits and other treats. Friends exchange greetings of "Tashi Delek", farmers thank the gods for the harvest, and villages hold archery contests, one of the much loved sports of Sikkim.

Losoong is a public holiday in Sikkim, and the days of music, dance, visits and good food bring all the communities of the state together.

How people celebrate Losoong

  • Chaam masked dances at monasteries
  • Burning an effigy of the evil of the old year
  • Cleaning and decorating the home
  • Family feasts and khapse biscuits
  • Archery contests
  • Greeting everyone with "Tashi Delek"

How to wish well

  • "Tashi Delek" is the warm greeting for Losoong.
  • Losoong and Namsoong fall together, so you can wish Bhutia and Lepcha friends in one message.
  • Wishes for a good harvest, a happy home and a lucky new year fit the day.

Questions about Losoong

When is Losoong?

On the first day of the eleventh Tibetan month, in December. The festival lasts several days. The date for each year is shown on this page.

What is Losoong?

It is the New Year of the Bhutia people of Sikkim and a festival for the end of the harvest season.

What is the difference between Losoong and Losar?

Losoong is the Sikkimese New Year at the end of the harvest, in December. Losar is the Tibetan New Year, about two months later, in February or March.

What is Namsoong?

Namsoong is the New Year of the Lepcha people of Sikkim. It falls at the same time as Losoong, and the two are celebrated together.

How is Losoong celebrated?

With chaam dances at monasteries, the burning of an effigy of evil, family feasts, archery contests and Tashi Delek greetings.

What do you say on Losoong?

Say "Tashi Delek" or "Happy Losoong".

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