Losar
Losar is the Tibetan New Year. It is celebrated on the first days of the first lunar month in the Tibetan calendar. Its traditions are unique to Tibet, and predate Chinese and Indian influence. The first 3 days of Losar are considered very important everywhere; in some places it is celebrated for up to 16 days. Monasteries are visited, with respects paid to the lamas, and time is spent with family. Traditionally, practices include an honoring of sacred natural elements. Often homes are cleaned, incense is burned, home altars are decorated and special food and drink are consumed.