Daw Dangpai Losar or the Lunar New Year is traditionally celebrated by communities in the west, central and even eastern parts of the country. The festival is, however, gaining popularity among the Lhotsham communities in the south. The Lhotsham community in Tsirang first celebrated the Dawa Dangpai Losar as a major gathering. This year, an overwhelming number of people gathered on Friday to mark the occasion with great enthusiasm.
From around seven hundred people last year, this year’s celebration saw over 2,500 people.
The attendees not only included people from Tsirang but also from neighbouring districts like Dagana and Sarpang as well as from Samtse, Thimphu, and Samdrup Jongkhar.
The celebration took place at the Tsholingkhar Gewog Lhakhang in Tsirang.
Among the thousands of attendees was 98-year-old Som Bdr. Tamang from Rangthangling Gewog making him the oldest participant to welcome the Wood Female Snake Year.
Experiencing the Losar for the first time, he says he enjoyed the festivities, especially the dances and songs.
“I saw children dancing so well. I also felt like joining them because the dance steps are very similar to Shaman procedure which I am used to it.”
Various cultural and entertainment programmes, including performances by school students kept the audience captivated while also promoting the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Additionally, a dedicated team prepared authentic Bhutanese and Lhotsham dishes fostering a spirit of communal feasting and togetherness.
Adding to the festivities, a Khuru or dart tournament was organised for both men and women. Many expressed their joy and a strong sense of unity and shared prayers to continue the tradition for the coming years.
Sherab Pem Sherpa, a Patshaling resident said “I felt very fascinated by the programmes here. The children are dancing very magnificently and I was proud of them. I would definitely participate next year.”
Likewise, Dawa Tamang, a Shompangkha resident said “This is my first time celebrating Dawa Dangpai Losar. The Losar celebration venue is beautiful and we are creating memories. I dressed myself in traditional Tamang attire for the occasion. The cultural programmes made the day even more enjoyable. I am very happy to be part of it.”
Som Bdr. Tamang, a Rangthangling resident said “I am hopeful that I will be here again next year. I pray for my long life so I can celebrate Losar in the coming years just as my children brought me here today.
Tsirang Lam Neten, Karma Gelay who also took part in the festivities emphasised that Losar should be more than just a celebration and entertainment.
“During Losar, we should express gratitude for the past years- its blessings, achievements and fortunes. At the same time, we should pray for continued prosperity for the year ahead. The celebration brings happiness and goodwill among people and communities.”
The Druk Dawa Dangpai Losar Tshogpa, a community group based in Tsirang, in collaboration with the Tsholingkhar Gewog Administration organised the event. It is aimed at preserving and promoting the country’s culture and traditions in the southern districts.
The initiative not only highlights Bhutan’s rich cultural traditions but also reflects the country’s vibrant communal spirit reinforcing a shared sense of identity and belonging.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
