The First day of the first month of lunar calendar is very auspicious and important day for the Bhutanese people. We celebrate it as a losar- New Year with enthusiasm, joy and happiness. The modern celebration of Losar in Bhutan originated in 1637, when Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (1594-1651), the unifier of Bhutan, marked the completion of the famous Punakha Dzong (temple) with an inaugural celebration. Bhutanese came from all over the country to bring offerings of produce from their various regions, a tradition that is still reflected in the wide variety of foods consumed during the ritual Losar meals.
Often, Losar celebrations include a traditional
morning meal (porridge mixed with beef or cheese) which is timed to coincide
with the rising of the sun, as well as a midday meal (very special red rice,
beef, pork, chicken, fish, fried cheese, emadhatsi, mixed curry and many more)
and afternoon snack. Besides these items, there will be so many special drinks-
ara, tea and butter tea. The food eaten during Losar and its preparation,
presentation, consumption, and symbolic meaning are highly important
traditional rituals that serve to reinforce community ties and Bhutanese
identity and culture.
The day is very important and special because it is
the day where we can make new wishes and resolutions for New Year, make
offerings to god and goddesses, right and great time for family reunion and
gathering, time to reflect, recollect and analyze our achievements and
failures.
On this very special day I would like to wish each
and every Bhutanese a very happy losar. Enjoy up to the fullest but with
responsibility!
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