We will celebrate Losar, the Tibetan New Year, on Sunday, February 22, at our Bloomfield center.
Losar falls on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Nalandabodhi Seattle will host a celebration at Nalanda West in Seattle on that date and will webcast it live. Details are here. Local community members who wish to gather in person to watch the webcast can join us at our West Suffield location. See here for details.
Losar is the Tibetan New Year. “Lo” means “year” or “age” and “sar” means “fresh” or “new.” Because Losar is a holiday based on the lunar calendar, its date changes every year, falling on the first day of the first month of the Tibetan calendar. This is usually near the new moon in February. Not all Buddhists celebrate Losar on the same day. Each year is ruled by one animal and one element. This year is the year of the Fire Horse.
The time before Losar is a good time clean our homes and practice environments and organize our practice materials. It is a time to start with a new outlook, as well as be mindful of our emotions. Our attitude at this time will set the tone for the rest of our year, so we lead with positive emotions.
As we enter the new year, we can renew our commitment to Bodhicitta—deepening connection, clearing obstacles, and opening our hearts for the well‑being of all beings and our planet. It’s also a good moment to reflect on our mandala work, honor the Three Jewels, and practice the six paramitas.
Traditionally, it is also a great time to practice generosity, such as making offerings to support our Teachers thru the One Heart Mandala Fund. If you wish, you may make a monetary offering using the registration form below, Or you might consider donating to support our nun, Ani Karma Ngawang Choden, whom we have supported through the Marpa Foundation since 2014. Thank you!
Schedule for Sunday, February 22
From 10am to 11:30am, we will follow our normal Sunday meditation schedule:
10 – 10:50am: Opening chants; silent meditation (shamatha)
11 – 11:30 am: Discussion of this week’s chapter of Comfortable with Uncertainty by Pema Chödrön
Our Losar celebration start after a short break, and will include:
- Viewing the recorded Losar address from our teacher Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche
- Making offerings and sharing aspirations for the new Fire Horse year
- Onsite attendees who want to socialize to can share a local takeout meal
Offerings
If you would like to make a monetary offering for Losar, you can give in increments of $5 using the registration form below. If you plan to attend onsite, your (free) registration will help us plan.
Please join is onsite if you can, or online. Happy Losar!
Date/Time
Date(s) - Sun., February 22, 2026
11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Location Nalandabodhi Connecticut (Bloomfield)
