KATHMANDU: The Tamang community is observing the occasion of Sonam Lhosar, or New Year, with a variety of festivities today.

According to the Manjushree calendar, the year 2861 begins today, ushering in the Year of the Tiger, following the Year of the Cow.

Sonam Lhosar is celebrated annually on Magh Shukla Pratipada with a range of activities.

The festival is associated with a 12-year cycle, which includes the years of the rat, cow, tiger, rabbit, dragon (cloud), snake, horse, sheep, monkey, bird, dog, and pig.

The celebration is especially prominent in districts of the Bagmati region, where the Tamang community is most concentrated.

The government has declared a public holiday nationwide to mark the occasion.