Sonam Losar

During the Tibetan regime, each household of the Memba tribe under Kongpo Agegap was to send one male for war. With their return from the battlefield uncertain, the Losar festival was celebrated one month earlier, naming the festival ‘Sonam Losar’, to bid farewell to the year past, and to greet the coming year for a happy and prosperous life. The three-day festival is a hub of several traditions and customs:On day one, "Nangmay Losar" is celebrated by the Memba community among their family at home. On day two of Sonam Losar called "Lamay Losar", the Membas go to the Gompa or monastery to pray for long life, followed by visiting homes and celebrations amidst amusements, songs and dances. Games and sports like arrow shooting, shot put, and discus throw are also played. On day three, the Membas celebrate "Drongba Losar" by hoisting the Buddhist flags at their houses. Flags are also hoisted atop the hills even as prayers aree made.