Kathmandu, February 25:

Demanding right to self-determination and ethnic autonomy, 24 ethnic Buddhist castes from the mountainous regions of the country today celebrated Gyalpo Lhosar (New year) in Kathmandu.

Wangchhue Sherpa, president of the Himalayan Democratic Republican Civic Forum, said that Gyalpo Lhosar had a history of 2,136 years. “We celebrate it by wishing each other for peace and prosperity,” he said. “Himali people are compelled to remain socially, culturally, economically and politically backward. We don’t have identity in the Hindu society.”

“For the first time, we got public holiday on this day and we are really happy with the government decision” he said. “The public holiday will be more effective from next year.” He said that they have been asking the government to ensure the rights of the indigenous people of the Himali region through the new constitution.

On the occasion, Sherpas cleaning the house for auspicious reasons and dine traditional foods. Conducting traditional rites, especially for welfare of the village and the clan, and worshipping of the God and spirits were other major features of Gyalpo Lhosar.

According to Sherpa, Subas Chandra Nembang, chairman of the Constituent Assembly (CA), has promised to take their demands to the CA and expressed commitment to work for them. He said that the new constitution would address the aspirations of the Himali people.