Amazing Puja

Puja and More

Yesterday and today I was privy to an amazing event here at the house. The family had arranged for 7 monks, 2 of which are Lamas, to perform a ritual called a Puja. This particular ritual had been set up to last 2 entire days, basically from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. During a Puja, monks chant prayers in a specific order for the specific purpose of the Puja. This Puja was to alleviate the family and household from negative energy, sins, and future sins, and in place, to restore only good energy and blessings. The monks used two 5 foot long horns, 2 flutes, 2 monotone flutes, 2 drums and a pair of cymbals. At specific intervals, when the prayer called for it, the monks would proceed to play in a melodic fashion. The tone was extremely guttural but very pleasant, as it held serious religious significance for all involved.

During a specific chant, the family was encouraged to join the monks in the altar room. On command, we were instructed to throw bird seed on the floor. This was a representation for casting out evil and sins. Following the bird seed, small figurines which had been placed on a 2 by 2 piece of plywood were taken from the altar room and each was thrown in a direction, hopefully covering all four corners of the earth. Then, the monks went back to their chanting and the family and bystanders left. This Puja has been one of the highlights of my trip so far.

Some Pujas are small and private while others are large community wide events. This particular one was a small affair attended by the immediate family, and siblings and their families. This was a wonderful opportunity for me to meet and interact with close relatives of the family I am staying with. Everyone was so welcoming and genuinely interested in my well-being, that I was again reminded of the hospitality of Bhutan as a nation.

On top of the Puja, these last 5 days have been part of a countrywide celebration. On the 21st of February, His Majesty, The King, marks the anniversary of his birth. Since he is known has the people's King, it was fitting then that he took his birthday and gave it back to the people in the form of Education Day. This day was marked with celebrations throughout the country, acknowledging the many differing forms that education can take. At my school, we held a half day event with speeches, cultural dancing displays and posters. It was exciting to see my first "school event".

So, after lunch on Monday, I have been free, as the 22nd and the 23rd are part of the holiday. Tuesday I just went into town and walked around. It was the most spectacular day in terms of weather. Spring has begun to sprout and the sky was crisp and blue. As the day progressed, some clouds began to form, but nothing serious. Today, I returned to Dochula Pass with an American friend who was not able to go to the Pass when the teachers went East. I had been telling him that he needed to see it, but it wasn't until he got up there that he understood. His mouth was gaping open basically the entire time we were up there. Again, it was a clear day and the view was amazing.

So, my mini-vacation is now in the history books, so to speak. Tomorrow it will be school again, and since the birthday celebration is complete, the real work/classes begin. Until later, signing off, having spent a wonderful last few days.