Sonam Lhosar 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, Eagle, Snake, Horse, Goat/Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Boar.

[3] In Sonam Lhosar the Hyolmo people visit monasteries and stupas sacrifice themselves meanwhile special rituals with mask dance are performed to drive away evil spirits.

Beef, pork, chicken, mutton, fish, and sweet desserts are consumed in the Sonam Lhosar.