July 28, 2025

Beyond the widely known Bikram Sambat, Nepal Sambat, and Losar, many of Nepal’s indigenous ethnic groups celebrate their own New Year festivals, deeply rooted in local traditions, agricultural cycles, and ancestral heritage. These New Years are a vibrant expression of Nepal’s remarkable cultural mosaic, observed with unique rituals, music, dance, and communal gatherings.

For groups such as the Gurung, Magar, Tharu, Rai, Limbu, and others, New Year celebrations often coincide with the end of harvest or the beginning of a new agricultural season. These festivals honor nature, deities, and ancestors, expressing gratitude for bountiful harvests and seeking blessings for the coming year. Ceremonies may include animal sacrifices, offerings of rice and millet, traditional folk songs, and spirited dances that showcase the rich heritage of each community.

The Gurung community celebrates Tamu Lhosar usually in December or January, featuring elaborate rituals, colorful attire, and cultural performances. Similarly, the Magar observe their New Year with dances and feasts that highlight their connection to the land. The Tharu mark their New Year with songs and dances known as Maghi in mid-January. The Rai and Limbu communities celebrate their New Year with festivals such as Sakela and Chasok Tangnam, incorporating nature worship and traditional sports.

These ethnic New Years offer visitors an opportunity to experience Nepal’s diverse cultural landscape beyond the mainstream festivals. They reveal how indigenous communities maintain their distinct identities through time-honored celebrations tied to the rhythms of nature and community life.

  • Time of Year: Various dates, often aligned with harvest or agricultural cycles (December to February depending on community)
  • Who Celebrates: Indigenous ethnic groups such as Gurung, Magar, Tharu, Rai, Limbu, and others
  • Location: Various rural and regional areas across Nepal, including hills and Terai plains
  • What to Expect: Traditional dances, folk songs, animal offerings, communal feasts, nature worship, sports and games
  • Interesting Facts:
    • These New Years emphasize harmony with nature and ancestral reverence
    • Each ethnic group has its own unique customs and festival names
    • Celebrations are often community-centered, strengthening social bonds