Tibetan new year — the year of the water hare — predicted to be the year of hope

Dharamshala: Losar is a festival celebrated each year to mark the beginning of the Tibetan New Year. Celebrated by Tibetans and Tibetan Buddhists worldwide, it falls on different dates according to the Tibetan lunar calendar. Losar 2023 will be celebrated on Tuesday this year.

While the Gregorian calendar is solar-based, the Tibetan calendar is a lunisolar calendar, meaning that it is based on both the lunar and the solar cycle. Each year is divided into 12 or 13 lunar months, with an extra month added every two or three years to make the average year equal to one solar year. This year, 2023, is the Year of the Water Hare according to the Tibetan lunar calendar. The hare is a symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity.

The celebrations last for up to 15 days, with the first three days being the most important. During this time, Tibetans visit monasteries, perform traditional dances and rituals, and exchange gifts. Families also gather to make special dishes and drinks, such as changkol (a sweet, milky tea) and kapse (fried dough balls).

Losar is a time of renewal and hope. Tibetans believe that the events of the new year will be determined by the actions taken during the first three days of Losar. As such, they strive to make the most of this time and set a positive tone for the year ahead. Losar 2150 is predicted to be a year of hope.