The term 'Losar' translates to "New Year", where 'Lo' means year and 'Sar' means new.
The festival is celebrated with fervour in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim in Bharat. "Losar", is perhaps the most important festival of Tawang and West Kameng districts in Arunachal Pradesh. The festival begins on the new moon day.
During this time the Monpa and Sherdukpens communities of Arunachal Pradesh practise a range of household rituals as the other family members join the festivities and exchange good wishes. During “Losar”, the Monpas and Sherdukpen wear their traditional attire along with ethnic jewellery. Offerings and prayers are made to various deities, elders and family members. Traditional greetings are exchanged as feasting and merry-making are followed during the occasion.
On this day people visit their friends and participate in traditional mask dance, called Aji Lhamu. They even exchange greetings and wish one another ‘tashi delek’, which means ‘good luck’. On the evening of Losar, devotees participate in a procession called Metho, carrying fire torches as they chant sacred slogans, leading the procession through the streets.
Losar of Arunachal Pradesh is worth watching because they offer an insight into the lifestyle, culture and traditions of the the beautiful Monpa and Sherdukpen communities.
Warmest greetings to everybody on the auspicious occasion of the Losar Festival.
