Tibetan New Year Losar

February 22, 2012 on the Gregorian calendar, marks the beginning of the year 2139 in the Tibetan lunar calendar - the Year of the Water Dragon. And this year, it's more important than ever that we wish one another "Losar Tashi Delek!" - or "Wishes for an Auspicious New Year." The date on the Western or Gregorian calendar falls in January, February or March and will vary year to year.

In Buddhist countries the people white-wash their homes (paint them), clean their houses, set intentions for the coming year, prepare special feasts and perform a sang chod fire ceremony. Losar is also a time for starting fresh. Houses are thoroughly cleaned and decorated with lights and butter lamps.

Often Losar celebrations can last two weeks to one month. Losar is DIFFERENT from Chinese New Year which was held in January this year! The Tibetan people are a distinct nationality and there are some years when the two holidays overlap or occur on the same date.

There was an auspicious snow lion sighting in Tibet in January 2012.