Losar, or Bhutanese New Year, is celebrated on February 18 and is observed in Bhutan, Tibet, India, and Nepal. This festival marks the first day of the Tibetan lunisolar calendar and is characterized by ritual dining and family gatherings, as well as thanksgiving and good luck offerings for the upcoming year. Celebrations vary by region and often include a traditional morning meal that coincides with the rising sun, a midday meal, and an afternoon treat. Typical foods served during Losar include fried biscuits, diced sugar canes, mandarins, fermented rice, various soups, cheeses, and sweets. The inclusion of auspicious foods like green bananas and sugarcane is believed to ensure a prosperous New Year. The modern-day Losar festival in Bhutan began with a celebration in 1637 to commemorate the construction of the Punakha dzong temple.