LOSAR FASTIVAL OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH

LOSAR FASTIVAL OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH

Losar is a major festival in Arunachal Pradesh as it marks the Tibetan New Year. Tribes like Monpa, Sherdukpens, Memba, Khamba and Nah following the Mahayana sect of Buddhism celebrate this festival with all pomp. This three-day festival begins on February 11 each year. On the first day of the festival, the priests make offering to the highest priest called the Dharmapala or Palden Lhamo, whereas the masses visit friends and family and wish them Tashi Delek (best wishes). Also according to the local tradition, sprouted barley seeds and buckets of tsampa (roasted barley flour with butter) and other grains are offered on home altars to ensure a good harvest. On the second day of the festival, which is also called Gyalpo Losar, national leaders and kings are honoured. On the third and final day of the festival known as Choe-Kyong Losar, people make offerings to Dharmapala and tie prayer flags on rooftops and across the locality. Although the spiritual observance ends on the third day, the celebration can extend for 10 to 15 days.
The term Losar is made of two words, ‘Lo’-which means year and ‘Sar’ - meaning new. The festival is observed to ward off evil spirits and welcome the the new year that shall be filled with happiness and prosperity. The date for the festival mostly falls in the months of January, February or March; and the Tibetan lunar calendar assigns an element and an animal to each year.
The local tribal’s are believer of their tribe’s customs. The tribes perform rites to protect their land from any sort of evil eye and any kind of supernatural attack. The local deity is worshipped for the welfare of the society and the people. The festival is a colorful event and the people celebrate this festival with their traditional music and dance. People participate with much faith and fun to make the festival a remarkable one. This festival witnesses the local tribal traditions and customs. Monpas enjoy this time with high festive spirit and do a lot of merry making. Feasting with local drinks drinking is organized together with friends and relatives. This festival depicts the social-cultural and native living of the Monpas.