Religious Festivals in Katmandu, Pokhara and elsewhere in Nepal

Losar

Every February, Sherpas and Tibetans welcome their New Year with feasts, dancing and family visits. Families don their finest clothes and jewellery to exchange gifts. Buddhist monks offer prayers for good health and prosperity, and perform dances at monstries throught the kingdom.

Colourful prayer flags adorn streets and rooftops and these seem especially bright at the Swayambhu and Bouddha Stupas. Thousands of buddhists celebrate bringing in the New year by throwing roasted barley flour (or tsampa) into the air.