The many New Years of Bhutan
CULTURE
Bhutan Himalaya Editors


New Years festivities in Bhutan provide an annual occasion to sit with friends and family to enjoy the bounties of the season © Image from the Bhutan Himalaya archives

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A hearty Bhutanese breakfast of buckwheat pancakes, red rice and accompaniments of fiery chili and cheese dishes © Image from the Bhutan Himalaya archives

Here’s a look at some of those Bhutanese New Year’s Day celebrations, starting with the most important one.
Losar: The Main Bhutanese New Year
Losar, the most widely celebrated New Year in Bhutan, typically falls in February or March, aligning with the Himalayan lunar calendar. This vibrant festival, deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions, is a time for family reunions and spiritual renewal. Preparations begin weeks in advance, with Bhutanese families engaging in thorough house cleaning to usher in good fortune for the year.
During Losar, families raise colorful prayer flags to adorn their homes or nearby mountaintops or slopes, creating a festive atmosphere. It’s a common practice to make early morning visits to local temples to make offerings and seek blessings for the year. Special dishes like thukpa (noodle soups) and khapse (crispy fried bread snacks) are prepared in abundance. Families gather to share meals and exchange good wishes, strengthening their bonds with each other, and fostering a sense of community.

Each New Year's festivities offer Bhutanese men the opportunity to dust off their bows and arrows to enjoy rounds of competitive archery amid bouts of celebratory drinking © Image from the Bhutan Himalaya archives
Chunyipai Losar: The Traditional Offering Day
Chunyipai Losar, also known as the "Traditional Day of Offering," falls on the first day of the 12th month on the Bhutanese lunar calendar. The celebration has deep historical roots, dating back to the 17th century when representatives from all regions of Bhutan would offer "buelwa" or tribute offerings to Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the nation’s chief unifier and architect, at the Punakha Dzong in western Bhutan.
Primarily celebrated in central and eastern Bhutan, Chunyipai Losar also marks the beginning of the agricultural New Year. Traditional rituals and prayers are performed to ensure a bountiful harvest and prosperity in the coming year, and it’s a time when the government and the monastic administration announce their new promotions and appointments for various ranking officers, signifying new beginnings in both the spiritual and administrative realms.

The Chunyipai Losar dates back to the 17th century when "buelwa" or tribute offerings were made to Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the nation’s chief unifier and architect. © Image from the Bhutan Himalaya archives
Lomba: The Western Bhutanese New Year
In the western districts of Paro and Haa, Lomba is observed as the local New Year. This unique celebration falls on the 29th day of the 9th lunar month and typically lasts for five days. One of the highlights of Lomba is the preparation of "hoentey," a special buckwheat dumpling dish that symbolizes prosperity and good fortune.
During Lomba, children go door-to-door singing "Lolay, Lolay" and collecting treats in a practice reminiscent of Halloween traditions in Western countries. Families gather for feasts with lavish meals meant to display their prosperity, while young people play cards, archery, or meet outdoors with picnics and take hikes in the surrounding mountains.
Nyilo, or The “Return to the Sun”
Nyilo, celebrated in the Sha and Wang districts, neighboring central Bhutan, falls on the 17th day of the 11th Bhutanese calendar month. This New Year celebration coincides with the winter solstice. Rooted in ancient Bon traditions, Nyilo, means a “return to the sun.”
The celebration of Nyilo reflects the diverse spiritual landscape of Bhutan, where ancient practices coexist with Buddhism. It's a time for reflection on the changing seasons and the cyclical nature of life, as well as a celebration of the return of longer days.

The delicious and hearty buckwheat dumplings that's a specialty of the Haa New Year © Image from the Bhutan Himalaya archives

Symbols of the country’s diversity and heritage
Bhutan's multiple New Year celebrations reflect the country's rich cultural tapestry and geographic diversity. From the nationwide celebration of Losar to the regional Lomba and Nyilo festivities, each of these unique New Years events offers a unique glimpse into Bhutanese traditions, spirituality, and communal practices.
As Bhutan continues to modernize, these diverse New Year celebrations serve as vital links to the country's heritage. They not only mark the passage of time but also reinforce a strong sense of community and cultural identity that defines the Bhutanese way of life.








UNLIKE MOST COUNTRIES, Bhutan celebrates many regional and national New Year’s days throughout the year.