History and tradition of Tibetan New Year

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Source: CCTV.com | 02-25-2009 11:58

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Losar, in Tibetan means "new year" and is the most important holiday in Tibet.Here's a background report on the history and traditions of the festival.

Losar, in Tibetan means "new year" and is the most  important holiday in Tibet.

The Losar Festival actually pre-dates Buddhism in Tibet, dating back to 1027 A.D. As irrigation, cultivation and refinement techniques were introduced, Losar ceremonies became more celebratory, as a gesture of thanks to the gods for innovation. Eventually with the advent of rudimentary astrology, Losar became more than a farmers' festival and evolved into a Buddhist celebration of the New Year.