BCC UK Celebrates Tamu Lhochhar with Religious Worship
London:
The Buddhist Community Centre (BCC) UK celebrated Tamu (Gurung) Lhochhar, the major festival of the Tamu (Gurung) community, with a series of religious ceremonies. The celebration took place on Tuesday, 30 December 2025 (15th of Poush 2082 BS) at the BCC Gumba in Aldershot.
London:
The Buddhist Community Centre (BCC) UK celebrated Tamu (Gurung) Lhochhar, the major festival of the Tamu (Gurung) community, with a series of religious ceremonies. The celebration took place on Tuesday, 30 December 2025 (15th of Poush 2082 BS) at the BCC Gumba in Aldershot.
The programme was held with the special presence of religious leader Tulku Thubwang Tenzing Rinpoche (Sujan Gurung), who had been invited from Nepal. The ceremonies included lamp lighting, Gyasi (planetary appeasement ritual), Ayu, Sang, and Ghanachakra pujas. The rituals were conducted by Tulku Thubwang Tenzing Rinpoche along with BCC UK’s chief lama Khenpo Chhiring, Lopen Sonam, Lopen Jigney, Khenpo Nima Singye, Lama Dinesh, Lama Karma, Lama Dharma, and other religious leaders.
Gurungs around the world observe the change of Lho (zodiac sign) on Poush 15 every year with great significance. Accordingly, this year Gurungs worldwide bid farewell to the Snake Year and welcomed the Horse Year. On this occasion, Tulku Thubwang Tenzing Rinpoche delivered a religious discourse on Tamu Lhosar and also bestowed Wang (empowerment/blessing). BCC UK President Ang Dawa Sherpa, Ama Pramukh Jagana Gurung, and other office bearers and members offered a Mandala to the Rinpoche.
During the programme, Jumkaji Gurung, President of Tamu Dhin UK, hoisted a new Lungda (prayer flag) within the gumba premises on behalf of Tamu Dhin UK. The event was attended by Tamu Dhin UK Ama President Kamala Gurung; former presidents Ramchandra Gurung and Pabitra Gurung, Gnyam Gurung and Prema Gurung, Hari Gurung and Sandhya Gurung; as well as executive members and other participants.
The programme saw a notable presence of the younger generation of Tamus. On the occasion, BCC UK President Ang Dawa Sherpa and Tamu Dhee UK President Jumkaji Gurung expressed their best wishes. BCC UK Vice-President Captain Dev Ghale provided a brief introduction to Tulku Thubwang Tenzing Rinpoche.
Representatives and devotees from various organisations were present, including Tamu Dhin UK, Sahara UK, Magar Association UK, Tamang Society UK, Thakali Samaj UK, Sherpa Association UK, Shiva Cultural and Community Centre, local Nepali organisations, religious institutions, BCC London Branch, BCC UK trustee members, and others.
The programme also included free tea, snacks, and meals, with food donated by various contributors. Sapan Rai managed the sound system, S.K. Gurung handled video coverage, Milan Tamu covered photography, and Bhim Gurung of Gurkha Kitchen arranged catering. The entire BCC UK executive committee, Ama Pramukh Jagana Gurung and other mothers, former presidents and Ama Pramukhs, and advisers played significant roles in making the programme successful.
The event was held under the chairmanship of BCC UK President Ang Dawa Sherpa. Vice-President Robin Gurung delivered the welcome address, Programme Coordinator and Vice-President Major Hitman Gurung delivered the vote of thanks, and General Secretary Major Kumar Gurung (MVO) conducted the formal programme.
It is noteworthy that BCC UK has been regularly organising special religious worship programmes on occasions such as Tamu Lhochhar, Sonam Lhosar, and Gyalpo Lhosar.
