Celebrating Losar
As February draws to a close, Tibetan Bön and Buddhist communities worldwide welcome the Tibetan New Year, known as Losar. This ancient celebration, deeply rooted in Tibetan culture and spirituality, offers practitioners and community members a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the past year while setting intentions for the one ahead.
Understanding Losar
Losar translates to “new year” in Tibetan and is traditionally celebrated over three days. The festivities begin with thorough preparations on the second-to-final day of the current year, known as Gu tor (February 27, 2025), followed by the main celebration, from February 28 through March 2, 2025 this year.
The preparation period holds significant cultural importance. Homes are thoroughly cleaned to symbolically remove obstacles from the previous year, creating space for new blessings and opportunities. This cleaning represents both physical purification and spiritual renewal.
For those living near a gompa (meditation hall), the first day of Losar involves visiting the temple to pay respects to the lama, circumambulating the sacred space, and making offerings. Tibetans traditionally bring flowers, butter lamps, or cookies for tea with the lama. In return, they receive blessings for success in all endeavors of the coming year. Many also raise prayer flags at their homes, sending prayers and good wishes into the world with each flutter in the wind.
The Significance of Losar Rituals
The rituals performed during Losar hold deep meaning for all Tibetan traditions. Two important aspects are: the Sang Chöd fire ritual, featured at several locations this year, which is a purification ceremony that cleanses negative energies and creates merit;. prayer flags raised during Losar carry mantras and prayers for peace, compassion, and wisdom into the world.
It is also a common practice to share traditional foods, particularly dresil (sweet rice with butter, nuts, and dried fruits), symbolizing the sweetness and abundance hoped for in the new year. Community gatherings strengthen connections among practitioners and create a collective energy of positivity and intention.
Ligmincha Programs Worldwide
This year, Ligmincha International and its centers across the globe have organized various events to celebrate Losar, making the tradition accessible to practitioners worldwide. Some of the events below are in person, some are online, and others are both in person and online.
For more information and additional events or updates, visit your local Ligmincha center’s website: https://ligmincha.org/countries/
United States
Ligmincha Texas
February 28, 2025, 7:00 p.m. EST / 6:00 p.m. CST
Ransom ceremony with Geshe Denma Gyaltsen – only in person
Details: https://ligminchatexas.org/event/ransom-ceremony-2025/
Ligmincha International
March 1, 2025, 1:00 p.m. EST
New Year wishes for the Sangha with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche and Tsering
Online on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tenzinwangyalrinpoche
Ligmincha Texas
March 1, 2025, 12:00 p.m. EST / 11:00 a.m. CST
Sang Chöd fire ritual in Galveston with Geshe Denma Gyaltsen – only in person
Details: https://ligminchatexas.org/event/sang-chod-smoke-offering-ceremony-2025/
Serenity Ridge Retreat Center
March 1, 2025
10:00 a.m. Sang Chӧd (smoke offering ritual), the raising of prayer flags
11:00 a.m. Tour, Socializing with Tea and Snacks
11:00 a.m. Bookstore will be open
12:00 noon Potluck Lunch
1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. – Livestream with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche and Khandro Tsering Khymsar
Mexico
Ligmincha Mexico
March 1, 2025, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Yang Drub Ceremony with Lama Yungdrung Lodoe and Lama Kalsang Nyima
Available in-person and online in Spanish
Registration: https://forms.gle/76oQBTkYfRVqzszu9
Poland
Ligmincha Poland – Chamma Ling Center, Wilga
February 28 – March 2, 2025
Losar Tibetan New Year Rituals with Lama Sangye Monlam
In-person only
Details: https://ligmincha.pl/event/losar-2025/?event_date=2025-02-28
Ligmincha Poland – Poznań
March 2, 2025, 2:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. CET
Losar Tibetan New Year Festival at Tram Driver’s House
In-person only
Details: https://ligmincha.pl/event/losarpoznan/?event_date=2025-03-02
Joining the Celebration
Whether you’re a long-time practitioner of Tibetan spiritual traditions or simply curious about this rich cultural celebration, Ligmincha centers worldwide offer accessible entry points to experience Losar. Some events are available online, allowing participation regardless of location, while in-person gatherings provide the full sensory experience of this vibrant tradition.
As we enter the Tibetan Wood Snake Year, may all beings find peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth in the months ahead. Tashi Delek!
