Losar, marking the beginning of spring and the lunar calendar, is a vibrant festival celebrated by the Monpa Tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. This three-day celebration is filled with pomp and pageantry, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Tibetan people who have inhabited the region since 500 BC.
The term "Losar" is derived from the Tibetan words "Lo" (year) and "Sar" (new). The festival is observed to ward off evil spirits and usher in a new year filled with prosperity and happiness. The date of Losar varies each year, falling within January, February, or March according to the Tibetan lunar calendar.
Preparations for Losar begin a day prior, with houses being cleaned, painted, and adorned with the eight auspicious symbols known as Tashi Dargye. Offerings are also made to the household shrine. On the main day, prayers are offered at the Tawang Monastery, followed by a traditional noodle soup called guthuk, which contains dumpli