As the day breaks, prayers rise across Bhutan.
In Tsirang, deep chants in rythm with drums and dhungs (long horns) echo inside the dzong. A new year in Bhutan begins with prayers and rituals carrying hope, gratitude, and new beginnings.
“Just like the Wood Female Snake Year, may the Fire Male Horse Year bring prosperity, strength, and clarity of mind,” says Namgay Dorji, Tsirang Rabdhey’s secretary.
“At the same time, we continue to pray for His Majesty’s vision of the Gelephu Mindfulness City to achieve unprecedented progress.”
In homes, traditions passed down through generations continue quietly.
Tenay, an elderly living in Thimphu, makes his offering of milk and butter lamp to appease the protective guardians.
His altar today look resplendent with offerings made exclusively for the New Year. The gesture symbolises gratitude for the good of the year that went by and a prayer to seek blessings for a prosperous year ahead.
“We also take this opportunity to offer our prayers for the long life of our guiding lights – Their Majesties and His Holiness the Je Khenpo.”
By mid-morning, the spirit of celebration spills into open spaces.
Sharing meals and laughter, for many, Losar is a time to pause and reconnect.
Norbu Lhamo, a Thimphu resident says, “I came here to celebrate the day with my family. I hope that next year as well, I can celebrate like today.”
For people like Tshering Yangden, Losar is also about the elaborate courses of meals that follow throughout the day.
“My favorite part of Losar is the morning porridge with the family.”
But what is a Bhutanese celebration without a friendly rivalry?
Welcoming the year of the Horse, a symbol of speed, strength, and determination, arrows and darts fly with renewed purpose.
In Monggar, Jigme Singye and friends decide to celebrate the day over a game of archery.
“I believe that starting a new year in the company of family and friends paves way for a fulfilling year ahead.”
Meanwhile, in Thimphu, Kinley is trying the traditional game of khuru for the first time.
“I don’t mind being a novice as long as it is one of the best reasons to celebrate Losar with my family and friends.”
As per astrologers, the Fire Male Horse Year is predicted to be a good year overall. Particularly, farmers can expect timely rainfall throughout the year. It is a good time for starting new ventures for women born in the Female Water Sheep year, aged 24, and the Female Earth Sheep year, aged 48.
However, the Pangrizampa College of Astrology cautions that the New Year brings a higher risk of fire-related disasters.Similarly, those born in the Horse, Rat, Tiger, and Dog years are advised to be cautious, as the year is considered unlucky for them.
Amid prayers, celebrations and predictions, Bhutan once again set in motion another year of resilience – riding forward guided by unwavering faith in the monarchs, strengthend by the enduring bonds of family, and inspired by traditions that have stood the test of time.
Deki Lhazom, Tashi Dekar, Sangay Chozom, Namgyel Wangchuk and Pema Tshewang
