Kathmandu: Nepal on Wednesday traditionally ushered in 'Tamu Lhosar', the ethnic new year of culturally rich Gurung community amid revelry as Indian performers also pepped up the celebrations, three days ahead of the Gregorian New Year 2010.
The Gurung community, based in the hilly western parts of the country, are believed to have been migrated from Mongolia and follow a lunar calendar.
Colourful processions with women dressed in traditional long skirts and blouses of Chinese brocade and musicians playing drums and ethnic instruments began weaving through the busy streets of the capital to party.
DJ from Mumbai such as Ankit, Lara, Shannon and Charu of Indian Idol fame will perform live in posh hotels of the city besides belly dancers from Gulf.
Nepal President Ram Baran Yadav hailed the community in a public message. The government declared a public holiday today to mark the beginning of the New Year.
Gurungs comprise 2.43 percent of the total population of Nepal, mostly of whom are Buddhists. Casinos in the city were decorated while hotels and restaurants prepared delicious ethnic cuisines for revellers.
Kathmandu’s tourist spots like Thamel, Durbarmarg and Basantapur too were decorated with lights and flags for the Christmas and western New Year.
Young boys and girls have booked tables in restaurants serving continental, Chinese, Indian besides local dishes to celebrate the occasion.
Nepal will celebrate official New Year 2067 in mid-April as per Indian calendar and Nepal Sambat 1131 of the Newar community, the original ethnic group of Kathmandu in October.
PTI
First Published: Wednesday, December 30, 2009, 16:03