KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 28

The Sherpa community across Nepal is celebrating Gyalpo Lhosar today.

The festival, observed as the New Year by the Sherpa community, primarily residing in Nepal's mountainous regions, falls on Shukla Pratipada in the Nepali month of Falgun. It is also celebrated by Mahayan Buddhists as their New Year.

On this occasion, people of the Sherpa community clean up their houses and villages, sources of water and flutter new prayers flag in the roof of their houses. They cook delicacies such as Guthuk and Khapse and exchange best wishes with each other to welcome the New Year.

The Gurung community marks its New Year on Paush 15 as the Tamu Lhosar while the Tamang community observe as Sonam Lhosar on the day of Magh Shukla Pratipada.