London – The Buddhist Community Centre UK (BCCUK) celebrated the grand Gurung festival Tamu Lhosar with various religious programs. The celebration took place on Monday, 30th December 2024 (15th of Poush, 2081 B.S.) at the BCC Monastery in Aldershot. The program was held in the special presence of invited spiritual teacher Lama Gupti Gurung from Nepal, and included lamp lighting, Ghyasi (planetary peace rituals), Ayu, Sang, Chhok, and Ghanachakra pujas.
In the program, BCC UK President Hark Bahadur Gurung extended warm wishes and welcomed everyone, wishing for happiness, peace, prosperity, longevity, and good health for all living beings on the sacred occasion of the Gurung’s traditional festival Lhosar. Invited spiritual teachers including Lama Gupti Gurung, Khenpo Chewang, BCC UK’s Khenpo Shenang, Lopen Norbu, Lama Harkajung Ghale, and Lama Pradeep Gurung conducted various religious rituals. Lama Gupti Gurung also delivered a religious sermon on the significance of Lhosar, and newly elected president of Tamu Dhee UK, Jumkaji Gurung, gave Lhosar greetings.
Gurungs around the world mark Poush 15 (end of December) as the day of Lho (zodiac group) change, which holds special significance. This year, Gurungs globally bid farewell to the Vulture year and welcomed the Snake year. On this occasion, BCC UK President Hark Bahadur Gurung, Mother’s Group Chief Jagna Gurung, Tamu Dhee UK President Hari Gurung, newly elected President Jumkaji Gurung, former presidents Hit Kaji Gurung, Ghyam Gurung, Ramchandra Surje Gurung, and Tamu Forum UK President Capt. Raju Gurung, among others, were present. A ceremonial changing of the Lungda (prayer flags) was conducted inside the monastery premises.
According to BCC UK Vice President and Program Coordinator Captain Deb Ghale, around 1,000 people attended the event. Notable attendees included NRNA UK President Hit Kaji Gurung, Sherpa Association UK President Rinjee Sherpa, Shiva Cultural and Community Centre UK President Bikram Bhattarai, representatives from Magar Association UK, BCC London Branch President Gopal Tamang, and trustee members of BCC UK.
To make the event a success, the entire BCC UK executive committee, Mother’s Group, advisors, and trustee members played an important role. Devotees contributed by offering meals, in-kind donations, and lighting lamps.
The program, chaired by BCC UK President Hark Bahadur Gurung, concluded with vote of thanks by Vice President and Program Coordinator Captain Deb Ghale, and was hosted by General Secretary Major Hitman Gurung.
It is worth noting that BCC UK regularly conducts special rituals during Tamu Lhosar, Sonam Lhosar, Gyalpo Lhosar, and other festivals.
