WELCOMING SHEEP YEAR WITH LOSAR

picture: Google

It was past midnight when I slept last night on the eve of Losar, the lunar New Year, according to Bhutanese and Buddhist calendar. The importance of keeping and celebrating the New Year, the traditional way was strong in my mind when I finally hit the bed after posting my blog. This meant waking up early and partaking in the preparation of meals that are a part of any Bhutanese holidays and festivals.

I planned to wake up early but sleeping late has had its effect on me. I woke up by the break of daylight after tumultuous dream that neither had beginning nor an end. I brushed my teeth and washed my face and then began preparing porridge, a traditional Bhutanese course to begin with.

A text message wishing me and my family definitely made my day. It was from no ordinary being. At a time when it was always you who have to make the first call, send the first text a message or be the first one to wish online to even closest friends, receiving a message from an illustrious and a distinguished personality like the former Chief Justice Lyonpo Sonam Tobgye was a humbling and an inspiring experience. I considered it as a good omen for a good day and a good year ahead.

And indeed, we had a good day. There were few visitors even when I missed my eldest son, a good friend and his family (a part of my extended family) on medical sojourn at Thimphu and of course the rest of my family scattered around the globe. Despite physical separation, everyone is included in my prayers made at the altar room. This was the least I could do.

I am gratified by those few visitors who came to my place today. In doing so, the feelings grow even fonder and just dropping by on an auspicious day like Losar makes the day even more beautiful.

The sounds of people celebrating a hit in an archery match or may be even Degor ( a game of throwing a circular stone) are obvious. It is a rare sound heard only during festive occasions like Losar today. In the past, winter months are a time when village folks have lot of fun with occasional archery, degor and Khuru matches. Honestly, today was the first day in many months that, a sound of celebration and jubilation was heard in the village. It brought back fond memories.

At the end of the day, I just thought that, despite the fast changes that are taking place, traces of everything that are good in our culture and tradition do exist even today. My only wish is; in spite of all these fast changes, may our timeless values survive for eons to come.

For all those who are inebriated, those wearing beer-goggles, those feeling tipsy or those completely sober, let me wish  you all a Happy Losar and Happy Lunar New Year of the sheep!!!

Gyembo Namgyal

February 19, 2015 10:00 PM