KATHMANDU: The indigenous Tamang people will be celebrating Sonam Lhosar with great fervour by extending wishes to each other and feasting on traditional cuisine on Tuesday.

On the occasion, President Bidhya Devi Bhandari has wished all the Tamang people living home and abroad peace, happiness, prosperity and good health.

Sonam Lhosar is the Tamang New Year 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 government has announced a public holiday to celebrate the festival on Tuesday.