Sherpa Community Celebrates Losar with Culture and Unity in Richmond, California

It was a warm spring day in California. The surrounding hills of the Bay Area were lush and green after the winter rains, and flowers had begun to bloom across the landscape. In this gentle atmosphere of renewal, the Sherpa community gathered to celebrate one of their most cherished traditions.

At the Nepalese Community Hall in Richmond, California, the California Sherpa Association (CSA) organized its annual Losar cultural celebration, bringing together hundreds of Sherpa families and members of the wider Himalayan and Nepali communities to welcome the New Year with tradition, music, and shared joy.

Decorated with colorful prayer flags and infused with a distinctly Himalayan spirit, the hall reflected the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Sherpa people. Guests were warmly welcomed with traditional offerings of khapase, chimar, butter, and sweet tea, while the customary Sherpa welcoming tradition of Nyuto was presented to honored guests, creating an atmosphere of warmth and cultural pride.

Inside the hall, the stage itself carried deep spiritual symbolism. On the right hand side of the stage, sacred thangkas of the Buddha, Avalokiteshvara, and Guru Padmasambhava were respectfully displayed, accompanied by a beautifully arranged Chhosom altar. The sacred images and ritual offerings created a serene and devotional presence, reminding participants that Losar is not only a cultural celebration but also a spiritual moment of reflection and blessing.

The program began with welcoming remarks from Ang Dorje Sherpa, Vice President of the California Sherpa Association, who greeted the guests and emphasized the importance of preserving Sherpa cultural heritage for the younger generation growing up far from their ancestral homeland. He noted that Losar represents more than a festive occasion. “Losar is not only a festival,” he said. “It is a renewal,  a renewal of our traditions, our identity, and our commitment to pass our culture to the next generation.”

During the event, Phurba Sherpa and the association’s treasurer, Ang Nawang Sherpa, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the many volunteers, donors, sponsors, and community members whose dedication and support made the celebration possible.

The President of the California Sherpa Association, Gombu Sherpa, offered a brief introduction to the rich cultural identity of the Sherpa people. In his remarks, he highlighted the deep connection between Sherpa traditions and Buddhist spirituality, explaining the significance of Losar as a time for purification, reflection, and hope for prosperity in the coming year.

The celebration was honored by the presence of several distinguished guests. The Consul General of Nepal in San Francisco, Lakshuman Khanal, attended as the special guest and praised the Sherpa community for its important contributions to Nepal’s development. In his remarks, he stated that the Sherpa community has played a vital role in promoting Nepal internationally, particularly through mountaineering, tourism, and cultural heritage. He also noted that the Government of Nepal highly acknowledges and appreciates the community’s contributions.

The program was honored by the presence of Chief Guest Norbu Tenzing, President of the American Himalayan Foundation, who expressed his gratitude to the community and reflected on the importance of preserving Himalayan culture and strengthening unity among Himalayan diaspora communities. Venerable Thupten Donyo, founder of the Gyoto Foundation, also attended the celebration as a special guest, bringing a spiritual presence to the gathering and offering blessings for the well-being and harmony of the community in the year ahead.

During the program, former presidents of the organization were also invited and recognized as honored guests, acknowledging their past leadership and their lasting contributions to the growth and continuity of the community.

The event was skillfully moderated by Pasang Geljen Sherpa, the Immediate Past General Secretary of the association and its current advisor.

The Losar celebration unfolded in three segments: the official ceremony, cultural performances, and a lively DJ program, allowing participants to experience both the ceremonial and festive spirit of the New Year.

Representatives from several Nepali and Himalayan organizations across Northern California attended the event, reflecting the unity of the diaspora community. Among those present were leaders from NRNA California, Indigenous People of Nepal in California, Tamang Society, Tamu Society, Magar Society, Newah Organization of America Northern California (NOANC), and the Nepalese Community of Northern California.

One of the most memorable highlights of the evening was the series of cultural performances presented by the younger generation. Traditional Sherpa dances such as Syabru and Sili, along with a Tungna musical performance, brought the stage to life. Dressed in elegant Sherpa attire, the young performers showcased the beauty and rhythm of Himalayan cultural traditions, symbolizing how heritage continues to live on through the next generation.

The audience was also deeply moved by a special musical presentation from the renowned Himalayan musician and performer Tsering Dorjee (Bawa). His soulful melodies evoked a sense of nostalgia for the landscapes and cultural rhythms of the Himalayas, touching the hearts of many who carry memories of distant mountain villages.

Throughout the evening, men, women, and children dressed in traditional Sherpa attire filled the hall with color and authenticity, transforming the gathering into a vivid celebration of Himalayan identity in Northern California. The event reflected not only a festive New Year celebration but also a powerful reminder of cultural continuity and community unity far from the Himalayan homeland.

The evening reached its most energetic moment when the popular Nepali singer Bijaya Lama took the stage. Performing his beloved songs, he brought the audience to their feet, turning the celebration into a joyful dance floor where people of all ages joined together in celebration.

As music echoed through the hall and laughter filled the air, the Losar gathering became more than a cultural program. It was a living expression of community, memory, and renewal,  a reminder that even thousands of miles from the Himalayan homeland, the spirit of the Sherpa people continues to flourish with pride, unity, and hope for the new year.

The California Sherpa Association, one of the most active Sherpa community organizations in Northern California, was established with the goal of preserving Sherpa cultural heritage, strengthening community unity, and promoting social, cultural, and educational initiatives among Sherpa families living in the United States. Through events such as the annual Losar celebration, the organization continues to play an important role in maintaining traditional customs, language, and Buddhist values among younger generations growing up in the diaspora, while also building strong connections with the wider Nepali and Himalayan communities.

Photo courtesy: Mingmar Sherpa