Kathmandu, February 5

The Tamang community across the country celebrated Sonam Lhosar by exchanging greetings today.

Sonam Lhosar is the Tamang New Year  in Nepal and is celebrated on the first day of the new moon during the Nepali month of Magh. The Tamang community divide their years into 12 cycles, each one for a year, which is given a special name, represented by one of the 12 animals for each year.

The United States today extended wishes to the peoples of the Himalayan region and Tibetans throughout the world, including those in Nepal, on the occasion of Lhosar festival.

Issuing a statement, US Secretary of State Michael R Pompeo said, “On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I offer my warmest wishes to the peoples of the Himalayan region and Tibetans throughout the world — including those in Bhutan, Nepal, India, and the Tibetan areas of the People’s Republic of China — in celebrating Lhosar.” “As you, your families, and your communities gather this year to celebrate the New Year, know that the United States remains your steadfast partner and friend.”

In December last year, United States President Donald Trump had signed the ‘Asia Reassurance Initiative Act of 2018’ that provisions funds for non-government organisations working for Tibetan communities in Nepal, India and China.