The week-long Losar festival was inaugurated by Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh RK Mathur in Leh on Friday. During the festival, houses are decorated with signs like the sun and the moon as symbols of good luck. People dress up in colourful, traditional costumes, religious offerings are made to deities and various rituals are performed. The festival marks the beginning of a new year. Prayer flags are hoisted in important religious places to welcome the Buddhist New Year.