The Sherpa community is marking Gyalpo Lhosar today with cultural programs, traditional foods, and family gatherings. Celebrated as the Sherpa New Year, the festival symbolizes new hope, unity, and social harmony, with the government declaring a public holiday on the occasion.
Nepal Verified News
Wed Feb 18 2026
The Sherpa community is celebrating the Gyalpo Lhosar festival today with various cultural programs and gatherings. The word “Lho” means year and “Sar” means new, and the festival marks the Sherpa New Year.
On this occasion, members of the Sherpa community traditionally clean roads, pathways, and water sources in their villages and neighborhoods. They prepare and enjoy special dishes such as Guthuk, a soup made from a mixture of nine types of grains, and Khapse, a traditional fried pastry. Families and friends exchange greetings and best wishes while welcoming the New Year. The festival is also seen as an opportunity to strengthen family ties and social harmony.
Gyalpo Lhosar is celebrated by the Sherpa community and followers of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition living in Nepal’s Himalayan region. Based on the lunar calendar, the New Year is believed to begin on the first day of the bright fortnight of the month of Falgun. Traditional Syabru dance performances, the melodious tunes of the Tungna (Damyan), and collective celebrations add vibrancy and meaning to the occasion.
As a New Year festival, Gyalpo Lhosar symbolizes new hope, enthusiasm, and joy. It is believed to promote love, brotherhood, goodwill, and unity within society. The government has declared a public holiday today in observance of the festival.
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