The New York City Council has passed Intro-100, officially recognizing Losar, the Himalayan New Year festival, as a holiday eligible for alternate side parking suspension in New York City. This means that on Losar, drivers will not have to worry about moving their cars for street cleaning. Normally, alternate side parking rules require vehicles to be moved to facilitate sanitation services, but they are suspended on designated holidays, during severe weather, or in emergencies to ease parking restrictions.
The bill, introduced by City Council Member Julie Won, was unanimously approved by the City Council on Thursday. With this, Losar joins the list of holidays that receive parking relief, allowing Himalayan community members to celebrate without the hassle of relocating their vehicles.
Following the City Council’s decision, Council Member Julie Won and the Himalayan community organized a historic victory rally in front of City Hall. Approximately 200 community members and several council members participated in the celebration.
Addressing the gathering, Council Member Julie Won stated: “This is the first and only alternate side parking holiday for Buddhists from Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, Mongolia, India, and other countries in New York City. Over 61,000 New Yorkers across my district and the city celebrate Tibetan Buddhist New Year, Losar. This historic bill marks the first and only alternate side parking holiday for the Tibetan and Himalayan communities. It is a milestone for our community. I am honored to celebrate Losar and recognize the rich culture of the Himalayan people.”
The event was attended by City Council Transportation Committee Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers, Council Members Shekar Krishnan, Narcisse Mercedes, and Linda Lee, along with key representatives from the Nepali, Tibetan, and other Himalayan communities. Notable figures included Geshe Tashi Dorje, Yangkey Tsering (Executive Director of Ekampany Capital), Norbu Lhamo (President of Dokham Chushi Gangdruk), Nurbu Choejung (President of the New York-New Jersey Tibetan Community), Sang Dorje Sherpa (General Secretary of Sherpa Kyidug), Om Gurung (President of Gurung Tamu Society), Ulap Lekey (President of the Bhutanese Community), and Dalamoo Sherpa (President of NSSP). Dolma Rinzin, Director of Tibetan Cultural Affairs, read messages from His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile. The celebration featured traditional Himalayan Singh dance and Tibetan Namthar songs.
Intro-100 had strong support from 40 sponsors, including 37 City Council members representing Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan borough presidents. It was passed unanimously by all 48 members present at the City Council meeting.
Organizations like Sherpa Kyidug and others have been campaigning since 2017 to gain official recognition for Losar. Urgen Sherpa, former president of Sherpa Kyidug and a community activist, emphasized that this achievement goes beyond parking convenience—it acknowledges the growing presence, identity, and cultural heritage of the Himalayan community in New York City.
Losar, the Himalayan New Year, is celebrated for 15 days according to the lunar calendar. The first day is traditionally observed at home with family, while the following days involve visits to monasteries for peace prayers, paying respects to elders, and exchanging blessings and gifts. The entire festival is filled with feasts, dances, and celebrations. This year, Losar falls on February 28.
Two additional days in February are included in the 2025 Alternate Side Parking suspension calendar. Parking regulations will be suspended on February 12 for Lincoln’s Birthday and on February 17 for President’s Day.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
