Festival of lights

http://rosemariejohn.com/tag/diwali/

Diwali- also known as the "festival of lights," is a festival celebrated by the Hindus. It is one of the most important festivals of the year for them and is celebrated in families by performing traditional activities together in their homes. Having lived most of my growing years in the Southern Bhutan among the Lhotsampas, I had been a keen observer of the transformation of the celebration.

The drive to the countryside

Having shifted to the urban center some years ago, I had forgotten the sight of the greenery that filled our countryside. A few weeks ago, when my husband suggested that we visit a neighboring village, I was very much against the idea because I had some assignments due and I needed to concentrate on it. Coincidentally, my daughter also had her History project due the following week and she needed time to work on it but then we all thought we needed a break from the mundane routine and the drive away from the town that sunday would do us good and went along with the idea.

The blessing

Some  pictures from my trip to receive the blessing of the relics of Lord Buddha, Sangay Shacha Thupa, and his two chief disciples, Sharibu and Mougelgibu on 22^nd October 2011.

Waiting for the blessing

Source: www.bbs.com.bt

The relics of Lord Buddha, Sangay Shacha Thupa, and his two chief disciples, Sharibu and Mougelgibu arrives today at Dewathang. It will be displayed for three days (from 22nd to 24th October). The people from the neighbouring places have flocked here to receive its blessing since yesterday and the small town is flooding with people of all walks of life. The town had never seen such crowd till now. There is hardly any space to walk on the pavement and the roads are filled with vehicles of all models. I even saw a tata nano this evening. the rooms in the hotels are full and the private residents are also packed with visiting devotees.

The festivity

The much awaited Royal wedding was a festive occasion for every Bhutanese. We also took part in the celebration in our own small ways. Here are some glimpses of the celebration.

teachers at work in the morning

The fairy tale wedding

In the mystical kingdom in the Himalayas

The whole nation celebrated

The union of the destined couple

At the Puna Dewa Chhen-Poi Phodrang,

The seat of the founder of Bhutan.

To the new beginning

source: http://www.facebook.com/jetsunpem

As the countdown began for the historic event in the history of Bhutan, I sat glued to the TV to get the news updates of the event whenever I had some free time at hand (especially in the evenings). It fills me with immense pride to see the King and queen to-be walk hand in hand in public. It is rightly said that “words are few when the heart is full”- the feeling that I am experiencing is beyond words. I rejoice with the whole country and celebrate the royal wedding with pure joy and sincere prayers for the Royal couple for the new beginning. Wish you a very Happy Wedded life!

Action Poem

Pictures from class II poem recitation competition 2011

the stage is set