Sherpa community across the country are welcoming the year of the horse, celebrating their new year, Ghyalpo Lhosar today (March 2, 2014).

This New Year’s celebrations take place for three days. On the first day, the Sherpas perform worships at home, visit the monasteries, and take blessings from the Lama priests there. The first day is called the Lama Lhosar. The second day finds Shepa families visit relatives, and gather to enjoy special delicacies. The day is called the Priwar Lhosar or the Family Lhosar.

The third day of the festival is known as the Dharmapal Lhosar which is celebrated by worshiping the different deities called the Dharmapals or the guardians of the religion. They are believed to guard the community.

President Ram Baran Yadav and Prime Minister Sushil Koirala have both wished the country on the occasion.

In his message Prime Minister Koirala stated that Nepal is a multi-ethnic, multilingual, multicultural and multi-religious features. He added that unity in diversity and national pride are our collective identity.

Various other political leaders have also issued new year wishes.