Sonam Lhoshar Celebration In Nepal

Members of Nepal's indigenous Tamang community dance and perform rituals as they gather to mark the pre-celebration of Sonam Lhosar on the outskirts of Kathmandu, Nepal, on December 25, 2025. 'Lho' means year and 'Sar' means new or fresh when translated, and the word 'Sonam' refers to the Tamang people in Nepal. Thus, the festival 'Sonam Lhosar' is the New Year event according to the calendar followed by the Tamang people. The Sonam Lhosar festival is celebrated every year on the occasion of Magh Shukla Pratipada with various programs. Sonam Lhosar is divided into 12 categories: rat, cow, tiger, rabbit, dragon (cloud), snake, horse, sheep, monkey, bird, dog, and pig. The indigenous Tamang community this year celebrates the year of the Snake. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto via Getty Images)