Losar Celebration

Thursday 7 February, Happy Valley, Mussoorie

Losar is the official Buddhist New Year celebrated usually on the 7th and 8th of February. More than a national holiday, Losar is an event with religious meaning and is considered to hold much importance in Bhutan. "Lo" means year and "sar" means "new" or "new beginning". Back home in Bhutan, institutions and schools are closed. The people believe that during the New Year, one should spend time with one's family. It is a period where it is a must to keep a clear head, a pure heart and an open mind. We believe that every single member of the household must be on his or her best behavior, because any event or occurrence whether good or bad on those particular dates can affect the family and the household for the entire year. One must not cheat, lie, sin or show any inappropriate behavior or think or say bad things. Families have big feasts but prime dishes that all Buddhist families serve and consume consist of the combination of "suja" or butter tea and "deysi" also know as saffron rice.

It is incredibly hard studying in Woodstock and having to celebrate "Losar" without our families. However, we am very grateful that the school at least makes us feel like home by taking us to a Buddhist community such as "Happy Valley" to celebrate the occasion. This year, the Buddhist students and a few other curious students went to Happy Valley where we visited the temple and offered our prayers. We were also present at a ceremony where we prayed and gave our New Year wishes and the best part would be when we ate "deysi" and suja".

Chuki Norbu and Sonam Yangchen