Bhutan being a culturally rich nation has so many unique and beautiful things to pass down to the younger generations, tell stories about and take pride in. I feel the complexity and intricacies of our culture and tradition can be compared to that of the pattern of Kishuthara. It comes in varieties of colours, patterns and a lot of stories on its origin.
Of the many cultures and traditions it's the annual ritual (Lochoe) in the village that reminds me of my home. Since we all work away from our home we rarely get time to go back so it’s only this annual ritual that brings all the families and relatives together. It is also the only time of the year that our grandparents look forward with much eagerness and excitement.
Having grown up in a close-nit society I have always felt emotionally connected with the feeling of being surrounded by my families and relatives, sharing home cooked meals together and ending the day with traditional song and dance in circles (Gorgom). It may be a one day ritual but connectivity within the family on that day cannot be measured. We share the stories from the city while our grandparents share their stories of the village. Conversations happen even while working such as over preparing meals, chopping vegetables or doing the dishes. Like in any other homes we also have our own special means of bonding that is by preparing our traditional Bumthap buckwheat noodles (Puta) in a traditional way whenever we have such a family gathering. For our family no gathering is complete without preparing and having that dish.
This being said, it was very unfortunate for me to miss this year’s Lochoe. It was not just ritual being missed, I have missed meeting my grandparents, relatives back in the village and everyone who came from the capital. I can always meet them another time but meeting them during that time of the year gives unmatched joy and connectedness.
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| Campfires and people dancing around it always reminds me of Lochoe |
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