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How Ladakh Got Its New Year
This New Year festival has an interesting history. In the 17th century,
King Jamyang Namgyal decided to lead an expedition against the Balti
forces during winter. He was advised that any expedition before the New
Year would be in auspicious. Like Alexender's solution to the Gordion
Knot, his solution was direct and simple. He advanced the New Year
celebrations by two months, establishing a tradition that people still
follow - celebrating Losar on the first day of the eleventh month of every
year.
Blending Buddhism With Bonism
Losar is the most elaborate of all the socio -religious events of Ladakh.
It involves the entire population of the region. Interestingly, the rites
and rituals are a mixture of Buddhist and the pre Buddhist Bon religious
practices. Preparations start by the end of the harvest period when people
start stocking provisions, sheep and goats for the customary feast as well
as grain for brewing 'Chang' (a local barely beer). New clothes and
jewellery are kept ready for the occasion.
Lights And Feasting
The festivities start on the 29th day of the 10th month with the
illumination of buildings and shrines. Sheeps and goats reserved for the
occasion are ritually slaughtered to begin the series of evening feasts
for all relatives by rotation.
Ritual And Warmth
The New Year day itself starts with the offering of votive and greetings
to various gods, elders await the customary visitors who come to greet the
family with presents and 'Khatak' (ceremonial scarf). The younger members
go out to visit other families.
Leh and its
adjoining villages wear a carnival look as people come out in their
colourful best. It is customary for the Muslims and Christians in Leh to
visit their Buddhist friends and greet them on the eve of Losar.
Guardians Of Prosperity
Images of Ibex and other auspicious symbols are put on the door, walls of
the kitchen and the top - end of its central wooden column. The Ibex is a
symbol of fertility and is believed to bring prosperity. Small images of
Ibex moulded from dough are arranged on kitchen shelves to add to the good
luck.
The Procession Of Fire
In the evening, the 'Method' ceremony takes place. The bazaars of Leh and
the streets of villages get lilt up as processions bearing flaming torches
pass through with the people chanting slogans to chase out evil spirits
and hungry ghosts - the result of bad Karma (one's deeds). Whirling
torches create a fantastic display of fire and light. At the end of it
all, the torches are thrown well outside the town to bid farewell to the
old year and to welcome the new one.