Assembly Resolution No. 144

BY: M. of A. Raga

COMMEMORATING the Asian American community's
celebration of Losar on February 28-March 2, 2025

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with
its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those
organizations and events which foster ethnic pride and enhance the
profile of cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric of the
communities of New York State; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the
Asian American community's celebration of Losar on February 28-March 2,
2025; and

WHEREAS, Losar is a traditional New Year celebration that holds
profound cultural importance among Nepali, Tibetan, Bhutanese, and
various other Himalayan communities residing in the State of New York,
particularly in vibrant neighborhoods like Queens and Brooklyn; and

WHEREAS, The term Losar is derived from two words: Lo, meaning year,
and Sar, meaning new; Losar is also pronounced as Lhosar and Lhochhar;
and

WHEREAS, Losar, the Himalayan New Year celebration, shares ancient
origins in both Nepal and Tibet, deeply intertwined with their cultural
and histories; and

WHEREAS, Losar serves as an opportunity for younger generations to
learn about and embrace their rich cultural tapestry and vibrant
heritage of the Himalayan communities; and

WHEREAS, Culinary traditions play a significant role in Losar
celebrations, with families preparing and sharing special dishes that
hold cultural significance; Khapse, deep-fried pastries, are a popular
treat symbolizing abundance and prosperity; traditional dishes such as
dumpling soup and Guthuk, a special Tibetan noodle soup with symbolic
ingredients representing fortune and wisdom, are also enjoyed during
this festive time; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, the exchange of traditional greetings like
"Losar Tashi Delek" and "Happy Losar/Lhosar/Lhochhar" during the
festivities serves to convey wishes for good fortune, health, and
auspiciousness, fostering a sense of communal well-being; and

WHEREAS, In the State of New York, between 2010 to 2015, the
Nepalese population experienced a 103% population increase (3,156 to
6,392); this growth rate was much higher than the city's, which was 4%,
as well as the growth rate of the total Asian population, which was 13%;
and

WHEREAS, The Tibetan community in the greater New York area makes up
the largest concentration of Tibetans in the United States and the
western world; and

WHEREAS, Losar celebration not only strengthens bonds within the
community, but also fosters a sense of unity and solidarity among
growing Nepali, Tibetan, Bhutanese and other Himalayan diaspora members
in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Some of the most attended Losar celebrations in New York
include the New Year Celebration organized by the United Sherpa
Association in Queens; the Losar Tibetan and Chinese New Year
celebration organized by Palpung Thubten Choling Monastery in Wappingers
Falls; and the Tibetan Losar Day 2 Celebration organized by the Tibetan
Community of New York and New Jersey located in Woodside; and

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to recognize
those important days which remind us of the rich and diverse heritage of
our great State and Nation; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the Asian American community's celebration of Losar on
February 28-March 2, 2025.