Her Majesty the Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck joined the Lomba celebration at the Folk Heritage Museum in the capital, today. Lomba, an annual festival celebrated by the Parops and Haaps, marks the passing of the year and the onset of the New Year. It is observed for at least five days.
Her Majesty wished everyone a happy Lomba and a successful new year.
More than 30 participants from Haa and Thimphu performed various traditional songs and dances.
The Lomba festival is a cherished time for families in the west, filled with joy and displays of prosperity to welcome a new year. It involves small ceremonies at home to drive away negativity and inviting health, happiness, and prosperity.
In some communities, offerings are made to the deities.
Participants consider the festival as a time of celebration after harvest, providing a moment of respite before the new agricultural season begins.
Damchoe Dem from Haa said “We were thrilled when Her Majesty the Queen Mother told us that this year’s celebration would be held in Thimphu. Meeting Her Majesty and other dignitaries was a blessing. It was a privilege to perform the famous Chungdue Gong zhey. We wish everyone a happy Lomba.”
Pem also from Haa said “We used to be very excited to celebrate this event in the past. We considered it as a preservation of culture, passed down to us from our ancestors. However, it’s disheartening to see that today’s generation are less interested. I hope they learn its importance.”
Kinley from Thimphu said “Lomba is just as important as any other occasion. The year passed peacefully and we pray that we will have a beautiful year. I hope that at this same time next year, we can celebrate again with laughter and joy.”
Gado Tshewang, Project Manager of Folk Heritage Museum said “It is an intangible culture and it’s a great opportunity that we got to celebrate it at the museum. It’s a time to bid farewell to the year and welcome the new year. With prayers for a better new year, Tashi Delek to all”
The celebration was also to attract tourists at the museum.
The celebration ended with songs, dances and prayers for a fruitful, auspicious, and bountiful new year.
Namgay Dema
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
