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 served or distributed. Hoentey is steamed dumpling made with a mixture of dry turnip leaves, amaranth seeds (zimtsi), and chili prepared in fermented cheese & wrapped in a dough made of buckwheat flour. While in Paro, the special dish are rice and meat. Meat of wide variety such as beef, pork, chicken and sometimes yak meat, and jomju are being served.
During Lomba, families get together festooned with wide smiles and have special diets. Men play archery and other traditional games while women sing and dance cheering up the games. The people not only have special dishes themselves but also offer to local deities thanking for last best year and wishing another year of good health & happiness.
'Happy Lomba' to all Haaps & Parops.
And 'Happy Christmas' as well to those who observe the day around the globe.
Tashi Delek !
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 served or distributed. Hoentey is steamed dumpling made with a mixture of dry turnip leaves, amaranth seeds (zimtsi), and chili prepared in fermented cheese & wrapped in a dough made of buckwheat flour. While in Paro, the special dish are rice and meat. Meat of wide variety such as beef, pork, chicken and sometimes yak meat, and jomju are being served.
During Lomba, families get together festooned with wide smiles and have special diets. Men play archery and other traditional games while women sing and dance cheering up the games. The people not only have special dishes themselves but also offer to local deities thanking for last best year and wishing another year of good health & happiness.
'Happy Lomba' to all Haaps & Parops.
And 'Happy Christmas' as well to those who observe the day around the globe.
Tashi Delek !
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