London. The Buddhist Community Centre (BCC) UK celebrated Tamu (Gurung) Lhosar, the major festival of the Gurung community, with various religious rituals and programs. The celebration took place on Tuesday, 30 December 2025 (15th Poush 2082 BS) at the BCC Gumba in Aldershot.
The program was held in the special presence of invited religious leader Tulku Thubwang Tenzing Rinpoche (Sujan Gurung) from Nepal. Religious activities included butter lamp lighting, Gyasi (planetary peace ritual), Ayu (long-life ritual), Sang (smoke offering), and Ghanachakra puja. The rituals were performed by Tulku Thubwang Tenzing Rinpoche along with BCC UK’s chief lama Khenpo Chhiring, Lopen Sonam, Lopen Jigme, Khenpo Nima Singye, Lama Dinesh, Lama Karma, Lama Dharma, and other religious leaders.
Gurungs around the world observe Lho (zodiac) change every year on 15th Poush, giving it special importance. Accordingly, this year Gurungs worldwide bid farewell to the Snake Year and welcomed the Horse Year. On this occasion, Tulku Thubwang Rinpoche delivered a religious discourse on Tamu Lhosar and also bestowed Wang (initiation/blessing). BCC UK President Ang Dawa Sherpa and Ama Pramukh Jagana Gurung, along with office bearers and members, offered a Mandala to the Rinpoche.
During the program, Tamu Dhi UK President Jumkaji Gurung changed and hoisted a new Lunda (prayer flag) within the Gumba premises on behalf of Tamu Dhi UK. Present on the occasion were Tamu Dhi UK Ama President Kamala Gurung; former presidents Ramchandra Gurung and Pavitra Gurung; former presidents Gyam Gurung and Prema Gurung; former president Hari Gurung and Sandhya Gurung, along with executive members and other participants.
The program witnessed a strong presence of the younger generation of Tamus (Gurungs). शुभकामना (best wishes) were expressed by BCC UK President Ang Dawa Sherpa and Tamu Dhi UK President Jumkaji Gurung. Additionally, BCC UK Vice President Captain Dev Ghale provided a brief introduction to Tulku Thubwang Tenzing Rinpoche.
The event was attended by representatives and devotees from Tamu Dhi UK, Sahara UK, Magar Association UK, Tamang Society UK, Thakali Samaj UK, Sherpa Association UK, Shiva Cultural and Community Centre, local Nepali organizations, religious organizations, BCC London Branch, and BCC UK Trustee Members, among others.
The program included free tea, refreshments, and meals, with food donated by various contributors. Sapan Rai managed the sound system, SK Gurung handled video recording, Milan Tamu provided photography, and Bhim Gurung of Gurkha Kitchen arranged catering.
The successful execution of the event was made possible through the collective efforts of the entire BCC UK executive committee, Ama Pramukh Jagana Gurung and other mothers, former presidents and former ama pramukhs, and advisers.
The program was held under the chairmanship of BCC UK President Ang Dawa Sherpa. BCC UK Vice President Robin Gurung delivered the welcome speech, Program Coordinator and Vice President Major Hitman Gurung presented the vote of thanks, and General Secretary Major Kumar Gurung MBE conducted the formal proceedings.
It is worth noting that BCC UK regularly organizes special religious rituals during Tamu Lhosar, Sonam Lhosar, Gyalpo Lhosar, and other cultural festivals.