Just like the Chinese New Year and Tibetan Lhosar, the Tamu Lhocchar marks the beginning of the Tamu Sambat or Gurung calendar year. Lhocchar also heralds the change in “Lho”, the oriental zodiac sign
According to oriental astrological system, there are 12 Lhos’ – mouse, bull/cow, tiger, rabbit/cat, dragon/divine, serpent, horse, sheep, monkey, hen, dog, and pig. A Lho returns after the twelve-year cycle. As per the traditional credo of the Gurungs, around Push 15, which has the shortest day and the longest night, the sun changes its direction from south to north. The change in direction – called “Lho Toba” in Tamu language, which heralds the beginning of warmer days – is the reason to celebrate, according to the traditional belief. “Shyongai”, which means a sort of picnic organised outdoors, is the main attraction of the Tamu Lho-chhar, also known as Tola Lho-chhar. This is also an event to promote fraternity among the Gurung nation.
But there are growing concerns that, with modernisation and fast-paced lifestyle in big cities, the zeal for the festivity is decreasing. Even so, what definitely seems to be increasing is the realisation that the unique Gurung culture and heritage need to be preserved.
Some experts also opine that the festivity is losing its originality because of Hindu dominion over Nepal’s ethnic minorities. “The Gurungs were not allowed to celebrate this tribal feast in their homes. So they had to go away to the woods for the event,” said academician and geographer Dr Harka Gurung – who is also celebrating the Tamu Lho-chhar – dwelling on the historical context of the festivity. Dr Gurung also revealed that of the three Lho-chhars – Gyalmo, Sonam and Tamu – the latter is the original tribal New Year festivity of the Tibeto-Burman ethnic groups in Nepal. Gyalwo and Sonam Lhochhars started after a certain Chinese emperor became a devotee of the Dalai Lama. Meanwhile, the Gurungs the world over are bracing for “Shyongai”, “Rodi” and other traditional frolics of their own.
