Every culture has moments that define its identity — rituals, festivals, and traditions that carry meaning far deeper than celebration alone. For the Tamu (Gurung) community of Nepal, Pushe 15 and Tamu Lhosar are such pillars. These two intertwined cultural occasions represent not only the passing of time and the welcoming of a new year but also the preservation of history, identity, spirituality, and community cohesion.
Through this comprehensive guide, we explore the historical
importance, rituals, modern significance, an insights to help
you better understand and share the beauty of Pushe 15 and Tamu Lhosar — both
for cultural appreciation and online discoverability.
What Is Pushe 15?
Pushe 15 (usually falling in December or January on the
Gregorian calendar) is more than a date on the Tamu calendar — it is the
culminating moment of reflection and preparation for the Tamu Lhosar festival.
Cultural Roots
Historical Context: Pushe 15 marks a full moon day that
historically signified the transition from the old year to the new lunar cycle
in Tamu tradition.
Agricultural Significance: For agrarian societies like the
Gurung, this was traditionally a time to prepare for the upcoming winter and
anticipate the spring sowing seasons.
Ancestral Commemoration: The date is also linked to honoring
ancestors and preserving oral histories passed through generations.
Pushe 15 is the spiritual threshold that leads into the
energetic celebration of Tamu Lhosar.
Understanding Tamu Lhosar: The Festival of Renewal
Tamu Lhosar is the New Year festival celebrated by the
Gurung (Tamu) community, one of Nepal’s indigenous ethnic groups. This vibrant
and joyful festival symbolizes renewal, gratitude, community bonding, and
cultural pride.
Origins and Mythology
Tamu Lhosar is rooted in ancient Himalayan tradition.
According to lore, it represents:
A fresh start, both spiritually and socially.
A community reset — resolving disputes, forgiving
grievances, and renewing ties.
A cosmic cycle transition, guided by the lunar calendar.
The festival is marked by the symbol of the Lunar Zodiac
animal. In 2082, for example, the animal was the Cat — representing calm,
agility, and a peaceful new beginning.
Rituals, Customs, and Celebrations
1. Preparatory Days
Before the main event, households clean their homes, prepare
traditional foods, and create decorative spaces to welcome the new year.
Traditionally, families gather to:
Cleanse the home — removing dust and negative energy.
Prepare special foods — including Dhindo, Gundruk, Kinema,
and local sweets.
Arrange altars with ancestral photos or symbols.
2. New Year’s Eve (Pushe 15 Night)
On the night of Pushe 15:
Families stay up late sharing stories.
Special prayers are offered for peace and prosperity.
Elder members recount cultural legends to younger generations.
This night is a prelude — a profound moment of reflection
before the collective celebration at dawn.
3. Tamu Lhosar Morning Celebration
At sunrise, the community comes alive:
Traditional attire adorns the streets — Daura Suruwal, Gunyo
Cholo, and Shato Bhi for Gurung men and women.
Drummers and dancers parade through the village or town
square.
Elders bless children and young adults with good wishes for
the year ahead.
Community feasts begin, often featuring local delicacies and
hospitality.
4. Cultural Performances
You will witness:
Traditional Gurung songs and dances
Instrumental music with bamboo flutes and traditional drums
Joint community songs celebrating unity
These customs reinforce social bonds and affirm the cultural
identity of the Gurung people.
The Importance of Tamu Lhosar and Pushe 15
1. Cultural Preservation
Tamu Lhosar is not just an event — it is a living heritage
that preserves language, music, dance, attire, and beliefs.
It connects youth to ancestral wisdom.
It asserts the continuity of indigenous identity amidst
globalization.
2. Social Cohesion
During Tamu Lhosar:
Divisions dissolve — families, neighbors, and entire
communities celebrate together.
Younger members learn respect and gratitude.
Social support systems are reinforced.
3. Spiritual Reflection
Like many festivals tied to lunar cycles, Tamu Lhosar
prompts:
Personal introspection
Communal prayer
Renewal of hope and ambitions
It is a restart button for the soul.
4. Tourism and Cultural Exchange
In Nepal — a nation celebrated for its cultural diversity —
festivals like Tamu Lhosar attract:
Cultural tourists
Photographers and documentarians
Researchers and students
Global visitors seeking authentic experiences
This festival boosts local economies, supports artisan
crafts, and strengthens Nepal’s global cultural footprint.
How Tamu Lhosar Is Celebrated Today
In urban settings like Pokhara and Kathmandu, celebrations
have taken on larger forms:
Street festivals
Performances in city squares
Inter-community cultural showcases
Even virtual celebrations connecting diaspora communities
worldwide
Many Nepali cities now include Tamu Lhosar in official
cultural calendars, offering performances, exhibitions, and educational events.
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