This year’s Losar celebrations at Tergar School, Kathmandu were a vibrant blend of tradition, music, and togetherness.
Day 1: A Cozy, Joyful Afternoon at School
On 18 February, the Kathmandu campus was awash with festive cheer. Teachers, staff, and a few students who hadn’t gone home for the holiday gathered for a special lunch. Tibetan songs floated softly in the background, adding a cheerful rhythm to the air. Everyone made their way to the shrine hall for khapse and butter tea, surrounded by a beautifully decorated altar with food and auspicious offerings. Outside, a spread of Tibetan delicacies, lovingly prepared by our school team, tempted everyone to gather and dig in. Between shared plates, easy conversations, and happy laughter, it became a cozy, joyful afternoon that made the day truly special.
Day 2: Cultural Festivities at Tergar Osel Ling Monastery
The next afternoon on 19 February, the entire Tergar Mandala, Tsoknyi Rinpoche and family and visitors gathered at Tergar Osel Ling for a Losar cultural program. The program began with chanted prayers for an auspicious beginning and our Gurus long lives, led by the Tergar Osel Ling senior, filling the air with reverent, calming energy. Then came the splash of color and movement: Vajra dances preformed
And then…it was our students’ moment to shine! Led by Grade 6’s Thapse, they guided the assembly through a gentle sound meditation and breathing exercise, inviting everyone to pause, breathe, and connect. Their confidence and focus lit up the crowd, creating a shared moment of calm, mindfulness, and inspiration; a serene and meaningful start to the new year.
The energy rose again as students returned with music that made everyone smile, clap, and cheer. With our music teacher Ravi Mahajan on flute, Lobsang on vocals, Ril Bahadur, Sonam, and Tashi on the ukulele, and Thapse on guitar, they chanted the Tara mantra. The grand finale was a lively rendition of the Nepali favorite “Resham Firiri”, featuring Thapse on flute and Ravi on guitar. The playful, familiar tune had everyone clapping and enjoying.
As the final prayers and performances came to an end, teachers, staff, and students stepped forward to offer white khathags, and receive blessings from Mingyur Rinpoche, Tsoknyi Rinpoche, Tsangsar Rinpoche and Tulku Jamyang Guru bringing the joyful celebration to a meaningful close.
Losar reminded us of what makes this community special: the warmth, devotion, and joy of celebrating together. From the cozy lunch at the Kathmandu campus to the lively cultural program at Tergar Osel Ling, every moment reflected the heart, joy, and leadership of our students, and the collective spirit of welcoming a new year together.
Tashi Delek to all!
