*Expression valley*

A festival observed by the communities of Paro and Haa valley as New Year celebration or agricultural festival is popularly known as 'Lomba.' It is believed that Lomba celebration began since the people started cultivating food. Some even believe that the festival started in the 13th century during the reign of Phajo Drugom Zhipo. This tradition is considered very special and has continued for many centuries in Haa and Paro.   Each year Lomba happens to fall in late autumn after all the staple crops are harvested. It also happens prior to people begin the next season of work. Specifically mentioning, 29th day of the 9th Lunar month in the Bhutanese calendar is observed as Lomba day. This festival is also observed as a common birthday for the people of Haa and Paro. It includes performing a small rituals at home to eliminate evil and welcome another happy new year singing 'lolay lolay'. In Haa, a special food called 'hoentey' made out of buckwheat is being se...

As the warm ball of sun passed over our heads, five of us started climbing up the Cheri valley in a fat pouch filled with changes of nyendhar and other offerings. Overseeing the few houses of Kabesa valley through the alpine trees, we were brought at the vicinity of sacred site within forty minutes. A magnificent monastery nestled on the waist of a bareen cliff welcomed us with the smell of animal dry feces followed by incense. The monastery is also known as Chakri Dorjeden, a hermitage and monastery in the northern part of Thimphu. It is the very first site founded by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1619. The central essence of this monastery is defined by the presence of the Yab Tempai Nyima's kudung chorten and the only Zhabdrung's statue that spoke among many statues in the Himalayan regions. There is also a temple called 'duedhuel lhakhang' where there is still the warm seat of Zhabdrung, the place he meditated for several years subduing all kinds of poisons. Th...

Dobji Dzong is located around 3KM away from Chunzom, on the way to Haa. It is perched on the top of the large ridge overseeing the Thimphu-Phuntsholing highway. This fortress is believed to be the first model Dzong of the country built by Lam Ngawang Chojey, the own brother of Lam Drukpa Kuenley, in the dawn of 16th century. A story depicts that Lam Ngawang Chojay found a suitable site to build the Dzong at the current place while looking for the source of spring that originated below the throne of Jetsun Milarepa in Tibet. Thus, he discovered as the significant religious site to flourish buddha-dharma in Bhutan. There is also a story that the Dzong was once used as the central prison of the country in 1970's. However, it was converted back to the religious center to spread Drukpa Kagyud for the wellbeing of the sentient beings. Today the dzong has relics such as the statue of Jetsun Milarepa at the center, and other statues such as Guru Rinpoche, Dungsay Dewa Zangpo and Lam ...

Traditional Day of Offerings aka Chunyip Losar is being observed across Bhutan on the 1st day of the 12th month in the Bhutanese calendar which coincides with the 25th of January this year. Traditional Day of Offerings is also known as 'buelwa phuewi nyim' in the national language to pay homage to Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who founded Bhutan in the 17th century. Historically it was on this day that representatives from all the regions of country offered buelwa (offerings) to Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in Punakha Dzong to express love, devotion and loyalty. The day is celebrated with good feasts and traditional sports (contributed by Gyeltshen). Also it is a month to thank the existing year for being the best year without any serious obstacles through. It is also the good moment for the peoole to bid goodbye for being a wonderful year and welcome another best year just prior to new year celebration in the country. Therefore, let us not forget to offer our heartfelt gratitu...

Today, on this day every Bhutanese was illuminated with amplified joy as Gyalsey descended down to this world choosing none other than Bhutan. Gyalsey's cuteness and young energy lift us everyday with immense vigor and hopes for the brighter future. With heartfelt prayers and wishes for long and happy life. Happy Birthday Your Highness Gyalsey Rinpoche 💓