Festival · Rimbik
Losar in Rimbik and the ridge villages
Losar, the Himalayan Buddhist new year, is celebrated in Sherpa and Tamang homes and gompas across the Singalila villages, from Maneybhanjan to Rimbik. Tamang families mark Sonam Lhosar around January–February; Sherpa families mark Gyalpo Losar, the Tibetan new year, around February–March. It is a family festival of visits, food and prayer.
The ridge's Buddhist communities count new year by the lunar calendar, and not all on the same day. Tamang families celebrate Sonam Lhosar, which falls on the first day of the bright half of the Nepali month of Magh, usually in late January or February. Sherpa families celebrate Gyalpo Losar, the Tibetan new year, a few weeks later, usually in February or early March. In a mixed town like Rimbik or Maneybhanjan, both may come within a month of each other.
Before Losar, houses are cleaned and new prayer flags raised. On the day and those that follow, families visit the gompa, offer butter lamps and khada scarves, and then visit relatives and neighbours. Tables fill with khapse, the fried pastries made for the new year, along with meat dishes, rice and home-made drinks. Elders are greeted first, and younger people receive blessings.
For a visitor, Losar is a time to watch, not to tour. There are community gatherings with songs and dances in some towns, and gompas are busy with prayers. In Rimbik and Maneybhanjan, you may be invited for tea if you are staying with a family. Remember that February is also deep winter on the ridge, with snow likely above Tonglu, so combine a Losar visit with a lower-altitude stay.
Tips
- Dates move every year with the lunar calendar; check this year's Sonam Lhosar and Gyalpo Losar dates before planning.
- If invited into a home, accept a little food or tea and greet elders first; a small gift of fruit or sweets is appropriate.
- Expect some shops and jeeps to stop for a day or two around Losar; plan transport with slack.
Most hill festivals follow lunar calendars, so dates move each year. Check current status before you travel.
Questions people ask
Good to know
When is Losar celebrated in the Darjeeling hills?
There are two main Losars. Tamang Sonam Lhosar usually falls in late January or February, and Sherpa Gyalpo Losar, the Tibetan new year, usually in February or early March. Both follow the lunar calendar, so dates change every year; check current dates before you travel.
Can tourists join Losar celebrations?
Losar is mainly a family and community festival. Visitors can watch prayers at gompas and public gatherings respectfully, and those staying in homestays may be invited to share food. Do not walk into private homes or ceremonies uninvited.
What food is eaten at Losar?
Khapse, crisp fried pastries in many shapes, are the signature new year food. Families also prepare meat dishes, rice, and home-made drinks such as chhang. Sweets and fruit are offered at the gompa and to guests.
Is Losar a good time for the Sandakphu trek?
It falls in deep winter, when snow is common above Tonglu and the Land Rover track may close. Experienced, well-equipped trekkers can still go, but plan extra days. For many visitors, a Losar stay in Rimbik or Maneybhanjan plus a short trip to Tumling works better.