NYC to Suspend Alternate Side Parking for Losar on Feb. 28; Nepali Sherpa Community Expresses Excitement

Alternate Side Parking in NYC will be suspended on February 28th for Losar, following new legislation enacted in January. The New York City Council passed Intro-100, a bill officially recognizing Losar, the Himalayan New Year festival, as a holiday eligible for alternate side parking suspension in New York City. As a result, on February 28, drivers will not need to worry about moving their cars for street cleaning, providing relief for the Himalayan community celebrating the festival.

Expressing his excitement, Urgen Sherpa, a prominent social figure in the American Sherpa community, former president of the United Sherpa Association (USA), and a resident of New York City, said, “The community is very excited. It is a big deal to have our festival recognized in such a large city.”

Over 60,000 people residing in New York City celebrate Losar, with a significant number of Nepalis among them. Additionally, a notable number of Tibetans, Bhutanese, Mongolians, and Indians also celebrate this festival.

Alternate side parking regulations typically require vehicles to be moved for sanitation services, but they are suspended on designated holidays, during severe weather, or in emergencies. With the passage of this bill, Losar now joins a list of holidays where parking restrictions are lifted, offering much-needed parking relief for thousands of Himalayan community members who celebrate the Tibetan Buddhist New Year.

The bill, introduced by City Council Member Julie Won, was passed unanimously by the City Council. It was strongly supported, with 40 sponsors, including 37 City Council members representing Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan boroughs. Following the City Council’s decision, at a victory rally, Council Member Julie Won expressed pride in the achievement, saying, “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 celebrate Losar. It is a milestone for our community. I am honored to celebrate Losar and recognize the rich culture of the Himalayan people.”

Organizations like the United Sherpa Association (USA), which has been campaigning for official recognition of Losar since 2017, celebrated the success. Urgen Sherpa emphasized that this victory goes beyond parking convenience. “This achievement is about acknowledging the growing presence, identity, and cultural heritage of the Himalayan community in New York City,” he said.

Losar, the Himalayan New Year, is celebrated for 15 days according to the lunar calendar. The first day is typically spent at home with family, while the following days involve visits to monasteries for prayers, paying respects to elders, and exchanging blessings and gifts. The festival is filled with feasts, dances, and celebrations, making it one of the most significant cultural events in the Himalayan community.