Dharamsala, Feb 7 : Tibetans-living-in-exile on Thursday celebrated their New Year 'Losar' with religious fervour and zeal in Dharamsala.

They gathered in early hours in the main Buddhist temple to celebrate the advent of 'Losar'.

The three-day event began with prayers at the function organised by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).

The prayers were dedicated to 'Panden Lamo', the protective deity of Tibet and especially connected with the Dalai Lama, the religious head of the Tibetans.

Dalai Lama has been the presiding dignitary at the function, but this year his absence was conspicuous.

"It is sad that he (Dalai Lama) is not able to attend, but it's understandable because he is advancing in age," said Thubten Samphel, Central Tibetan Administration official.

Tibetans believe that celebrating Losar will bid them of sufferings and miseries of the past years and bring happiness and prosperity in their lives.

Losar originates from the Tibetan word "Lo" which means "Year" and "Sar" meaning "New".

Around 134,000 Tibetan refugees are now settled in different parts of the country with the Dalai Lama establishing his headquarters in Dharamsala following his flight from Lhasa in 1959.

ANI