United Sherpa Association Hosts Grand Gyalpo Losar Celebration in New York
Queens, New York — March 7, 2026
The vibrant spirit of the Himalayas filled the Tibetan Community Hall in Queens, New York, as the United Sherpa Association (USA) hosted its annual Sherpa Gyalpo Losar cultural celebration, bringing together thousands of community members for an evening of tradition, joy, and cultural pride.
Sherpa Gyalpo Losar, the traditional New Year of the Sherpa people, is one of the most important cultural and spiritual celebrations in the Himalayan calendar. For the Sherpa diaspora living in the United States, the event serves not only as a festive gathering but also as a meaningful reaffirmation of identity, heritage, and community solidarity.
The program was chaired by Engr. Temba Sherpa, President of the United Sherpa Association, who guided the evening’s celebration with a focus on cultural continuity and community participation. The event was honored by the presence of Dadhiram Bhandari, Consul General of Nepal in New York, who attended as the Chief Guest, while Venerable Tulku Urgen Rinpoche graced the occasion as the Special Guest, offering spiritual presence and blessings to the gathering.
One of the most powerful and memorable highlights of the evening was the series of cultural dance performances presented by the young students of Sherwi Rigsyung Lopta. Taking the stage in beautifully adorned traditional Sherpa attire, these young performers did far more than entertain they became living expressions of a culture that has been carried across generations and continents. Through the rhythms of Syabru, Sili, and other traditional dances, they brought to life the spirit of the Himalayas, echoing the voices, landscapes, and ancestral memories of their homeland.
Their performances reflected months of dedication, learning, and guidance from elders and cultural mentors, demonstrating that the preservation of tradition is not accidental but intentional. Each movement, gesture, and formation carried symbolic meaning telling stories of community, harmony with nature, spiritual devotion, and resilience. In this way, the stage transformed into a bridge between past and future, where heritage was not only remembered but actively renewed.
For the elders in the audience, the moment was deeply emotional. Watching the younger generation confidently embrace and perform their ancestral traditions offered a profound sense of pride, continuity, and reassurance. It affirmed that, even far from the Himalayan mountains, the essence of Sherpa identity remains strong and alive in the hearts of the youth.
Beyond the beauty of dance and song, the young performers also conveyed a deeper and timely message. Through their presence and expression, they reminded the community of a shared responsibility to preserve not only cultural traditions but also the natural world that has long been central to Himalayan life. Their performances carried a quiet yet powerful call to action to protect the Earth, to honor the wisdom of the past, and to ensure that future generations inherit both a thriving culture and a sustainable world.
In this sense, the youth were not merely participants in the celebration they were its true torchbearers, embodying hope, continuity, and the enduring spirit of Sherpa culture.
Another highlight of the program was a vibrant cultural dance performance by Ramechhap Sherpa Kyidug, whose group had earlier secured first place in the Syabru dance competition organized by the association. Their energetic performance captured the lively spirit of Sherpa folk traditions and was warmly applauded by the audience.
The evening was further enriched by musical performances from local artists Ang Gelu Sherpa, Ang Sherpa, Fara Dendi Sherpa, Govinda Rai, and Wangdi Sherpa, whose performance added warmth and festive energy to the celebration, bringing the audience together in shared cultural joy.
The cultural dance performances were carefully coordinated and choreographed by Ms. Jangmu Sherpa, Phudoma Sherpa, and Tashi Tsering, whose dedication and creative effort helped present the traditional dances with elegance and authenticity. Their work played a vital role in ensuring that the performances reflected both cultural accuracy and artistic excellence.
The evening began with a welcoming address by Vice President Pasang Sherpa, who greeted distinguished guests and community members while emphasizing the importance of unity and cultural preservation within the Sherpa diaspora.
Trustee Chair Mr. Lhakpa Rinji Sherpa also shared his remarks, reflecting on the enduring strength of the Sherpa community and the important role of community organizations in preserving cultural traditions far from their Himalayan homeland.
In his concluding remarks, President Engr. Temba Sherpa expressed heartfelt gratitude to all volunteers, performers, and community members who made the celebration possible. He noted that this year’s event was intentionally designed with a different format compared to previous years.
“This year we focused more on cultural performances and the participation of young people rather than lengthy speeches,” he said. “When there are too many guests and long speeches, the audience sometimes loses the opportunity to truly enjoy the celebration. Our goal was to create a joyful cultural environment where everyone could truly experience the celebration.”
President Sherpa added that many community members appreciated the new format, and the association plans to continue organizing future Losar celebrations in a similar spirit, centered on culture, youth engagement, and community interaction.
Speaking at the event, Consul General Dadhiram Bhandari praised the Sherpa community for its remarkable contributions to Nepal and its strong commitment to preserving cultural identity abroad.
“The Sherpa community is one of Nepal’s most respected and proud communities,” he said. Their contributions to Nepal’s history, culture, and global recognition are immense. It is truly inspiring to see how proudly the Sherpa people are preserving their traditions and cultural heritage here in the United States.”
The official program was moderated by General Secretary Lhakpa Tenji Sherpa, while the cultural segment of the evening was elegantly hosted by Dazima Sherpa, guiding the audience through the vibrant performances and celebrations.
As the evening concluded with music, dance, and shared celebration, the event stood as a powerful reminder that even thousands of miles from the Himalayan mountains, the spirit of Sherpa culture continues to flourish, carried forward by a community determined to pass its traditions to future generations.
Photo courtesy: Sherpa Kyidug’s Facebook page
