Itanagar: The 15-day Losar festival came to a vibrant conclusion at Thupten Gatseling Gonpa in Itanagar, where Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker Tesam Pongte and Chief Minister Pema Khandu joined the celebrations.
The event, deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhist traditions, was marked by cultural performances, prayers, and festive gatherings, drawing attendees from distant districts such as Tawang, West Kameng, Upper Siang, and Upper Subansiri.
A highlight of the festival was the presence of eminent Buddhist leader Guru Tulku Rinpoche, who bestowed blessings upon the devotees. The festival, named after the Tibetan words “Lo” (year) and “Sar” (new), signifies the beginning of the Tibetan Buddhist New Year. This year is designated as the Year of the Female Wood Snake, symbolizing wisdom, intuition, and charm, with the wood element representing growth and renewal.
Speaking to media, Chief Minister Pema Khandu extended his heartfelt wishes for both Losar and Holi, expressing hopes for prosperity and well-being for all.
Meanwhile, Tawang MLA Namgey Tsering urged communities to preserve their cultural heritage by actively celebrating traditional festivals and promoting native languages.
Guru Tulku Rinpoche underscored the spiritual significance of Losar’s concluding day, which coincided with both Buddha Purnima and the Hindu festival of Holi. This rare alignment of celebrations, he noted, highlights the deep interconnection between different spiritual traditions, fostering a message of unity and harmony. The grand conclusion of Losar in Itanagar reaffirmed Arunachal Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage and the enduring significance of Buddhist traditions in the region.
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