On February 21st, Bhutan celebrates Losar, the Tibetan New Year and one of the most important festivals in the country. Losar is a time of spiritual renewal, cultural expression, and family gatherings.
The festival is marked by various religious rituals, traditional dance and music, and colorful processions. Monasteries and homes are adorned with prayer flags and colorful decorations. People engage in offerings to deities, seek blessings from lamas (spiritual leaders), and participate in cham dances, which are religious masked dances.
Losar also involves the preparation and sharing of special dishes, like "kapse," a deep-fried pastry, and "khapsey," sweet rice cookies. It's a time for families to come together, exchange gifts, and offer good wishes for the year ahead.
Losar not only symbolizes the arrival of the new year but also represents the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Bhutan. It's a time to reaffirm cultural identity and engage in rituals that connect Bhutanese people with their roots and the values of their traditions.