KATHMANDU: Sonam Lhosar is being observed with enthusiasm across the country on Friday. The festival is specially celebrated by Tamang community, the indigenous nationalities of Nepal. Tamang people mark Sonam Losar as their New Year. However, some East Asian country like China, Japan and South Korea are also celebrating this New Year.

The term ‘Lhosar’ is derived from two words (Lho+Sar) in Tamang language.  Lho stands for Year and Sar for New, which together means New Year.

The Tamang people have a unique tradition of marking each year with distinct creatures, from a list of 12 which are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Bird, Dog and Boar.

This year, Tamang community is celebrating the year of Ox.

Bagmati province government has announced Public holiday in her all 13 districts of the state on February 12 on the occasion of Sonam Lhosar.

Meanwhile, President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Prime Minister KP Oli have wished happiness, peace, prosperity and progress to all Nepalis on the occasion of the Sonam Lhosar.