In Arunachal Pradesh, Losar is the main festival observed during the Tibetan New Year. According to the lunisolar Tibetan calendar, it is celebrated in February or early March and lasts for two weeks. It is organised by the people of the Mahayana Buddhist Monpa tribe, who dominate the West Kameng and Tawang districts. Tawang is one of the most popular tourist attractions in North East India. In the pre-Buddhist period, the Losar festival was organised to celebrate the blossoming of apricot trees. Earlier known as an Agrarian Festival, Losar has evolved into an annual Buddhist festival. It is observed to ward off evil and invite happiness and prosperity into the new year. The Tibetan Losar is believed to have begun during the reign of the ninth King of Tibet, Pude Gungyal. During the festival, prayers are offered in Gonpas (Buddhist religious buildings), and offerings are made to various deities, elders, and family members. People adorn themselves with new clothes and jewellery, and the traditional mask dance, Aji Lhamu, is also performed. Greetings are exchanged by saying “Tashi Delek”, which means “good luck”.

Region : Throughout

Duration : 3 days