What is the name of the Tibetan New Year festival?

The Tibetan New Year festival is called Losar.

Losar begins on the first day of the lunisolar Tibetan calendar, usually falling in February or March in the Gregorian calendar. It is celebrated by Tibetan Buddhist communities in Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, India, and around the world. The holiday traditionally lasts 15 days, although the most important public and religious celebrations generally occur during its first three days.

Losar has roots that predate Buddhism in Tibet. Historians and cultural traditions connect it with Bon practices such as incense offerings, seasonal observances, and rituals intended to promote agricultural prosperity. Over time, these customs blended with Buddhist prayers, monastery ceremonies, dances, and offerings. Families also clean and decorate their homes, prepare special foods such as khapse pastries and guthuk soup, and gather for festive meals.

A common mix-up is treating Losar as simply another name for Chinese New Year. The dates may be close because the calendars are related, but Losar has distinct Tibetan religious and cultural traditions. Regional celebrations also have names such as Gyalpo Losar, Sonam Losar, and Tamu Losar.