Sonam Lhochhar is a New Year's day festival of the Tamang and Hyolmo people of Nepal as well as Sikkim and Darjeeling regions of India. It falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice which is usually the Magh Sukla Pratipada based on the eastern lunar calendar.
Years are associated with 12 different animals - Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat/Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Boar. Historically, the festival is celebrated after harvesting the crops.
In Sonam Lhosar, the Tamang and Hyolmo people visit monasteries and stupas, make sacrifices, while special rituals with masked dances are performed to drive away evil spirits. The houses and surroundings are cleaned to welcome gods and goddesses.
Khapse and Babar (kind of like chapati but made of rice) and Thongsey are mainly eaten in the Hyolmo community.
People wear traditional dresses and jewellery to participate in cultural events and exchange greetings with each another. Tamang Selo and Damphu are played in the festival for dance. Syabru is a commonly performed dance in the Hyolmo and Rasuwali Tamang communities.