The government has announced a public holiday on the occasion of the Gyalpo Lhosar on Thursday.

A cabinet meeting held on Monday made the decision to this effect, the Ministry of Home Affairs said.

People belonging to the Buddhist community, especially the Sherpas, celebrate Gyalpo Lhosar to mark the beginning of a new year.

The festival is celebrated every year from Falgun Shukla Pratipada, the second day of the waxing moon until the full moon.