The annual Bolbam festival is underway at the Shivalaya Mandhir in Gelephu since Monday. Bolbam, a month-long Hindu ritual devoted to Hindu God, Shiva sees many residents fasting every Monday to express their devotion. Devotees also abstain from taking meat, onions, and garlic. Joining the devotees this year in the opening are former Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering and Sarpang Lam Neten.
The former prime minister and the Lam Neten along with the devotees walked barefoot to Maokhola to collect water in small pots from the river to offer it to Lord Shiva. Devotees said the ritual has become extra special due to the presence of the former prime minister and the Sarpang Lam Neten.
“This month is favourable for offering water to the almighty God. Offering water to the god would not only bless individuals, but it will also bring peace and happiness to the people and the nation,” said Uma Devil Oli who is from Gelephu.
Deli Ram Neopani, another devotee said “This month is the most auspicious month for making the offering to Shivaji, and every one offers him water. This offering is primarily intended to bring peace and happiness while we are alive. It is also for the wellbeing of His Majesty The King, and the people in general. This is also for the peace of all sentient beings in the afterlife.”
Kamala Karki who is also from Gelephu said “The festival lasts for five weeks and offering water will bring happiness to all sentient being, our nation, and the family members. So we seek blessings from Lord Shiva.”
In the absence of a temple, people from the Hindu faith travelled to India to attend the festival. Inaugurated in 2018, the temple is a gift from His Majesty The King to the Hindu community in Sarpang.
Similarly, hundreds of devotees in Samtse are also celebrating the ritual at the Shivalaya Mandir in Samtse town. Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister D.N. Dhungyel, Samtse Lam Neten and district sector heads joined the devotees. They fetched water from the Damdum River and offered it at the mandir.
Karma Wangdi and Passang Dorji
Edited by Kipchu
