The Bhutanese Losar Celebration: A Tapestry of Tradition and Cultural Richness

I would like to wish all of you a very happy Losar. May this year bring you luck and happiness? Wish you good health always. This is the time where we come together, it is the time where we pray together and wish for only one thing that is good health.

The Bhutanese Losar celebration, also known as "Losar Tshewa," stands as a vibrant testament to the country's deep-rooted traditions and cultural richness. This auspicious festival marks the Bhutanese New Year and encapsulates a tapestry of rituals, festivities, and a profound connection to Bhutan's spiritual heritage.

Derived from the Tibetan term "Lo" meaning "year" and "Sar" meaning "new," Losar signifies the beginning of a new agricultural cycle and is a time for expressing gratitude, seeking blessings, and rejuvenating familial and communal bonds. It typically falls in February or March, aligning with the lunar calendar. The festival, observed with fervor and enthusiasm, not only rejuvenates the Bhutanese spirit but also reinforces their strong ties to their ancestral roots.

Preparations for Losar commence well in advance, as families clean their homes, paint walls, and engage in various purification rituals. Symbolizing the cleansing of the old year's negativity and inviting auspiciousness for the year ahead, this pre-festival ritual embodies the Bhutanese reverence for tradition.

The festival's spiritual facet is perhaps most captivating. It is a time of intense devotion, as Bhutanese Buddhists engage in prayers, offer incense, and make prostrations at monasteries and temples. One of the most striking features is the "Lama Dance," a sacred masked dance performed by monks to ward off evil spirits and usher in blessings. These intricate dance performances, known as "Cham," serve as a spiritual spectacle that brings together both locals and visitors.

Central to the Losar celebrations is the traditional Bhutanese cuisine that delights the senses. Families come together to prepare and savor a sumptuous feast known as "Nyersang." This elaborate meal is a fusion of flavors, textures, and aromas, showcasing Bhutanese culinary artistry. Dishes like "Khapsey" (deep-fried pastries), "Puta" (buckwheat noodles), and "Guthuk" (a hearty soup with dumplings) take center stage. Through this gastronomic journey, Bhutanese people share their love for their culture and bond over their shared heritage.

Losar isn't limited to intimate family gatherings; it spills onto the streets with lively processions and cultural performances. Folk dances, traditional music, and vibrant costumes create a kaleidoscope of colors and rhythms, captivating the senses of all who partake. One of the most iconic elements of the Losar celebration is the "Pemachang" ceremony, where a painted scroll, called "Pemachang," is unveiled and displayed, portraying significant events from the past year and highlighting the Bhutanese way of preserving history through art.

While the festival embodies joy and jubilation, it also emphasizes humility and kindness through the custom of "Thuechhung." During this practice, people visit neighbors, friends, and relatives to exchange well wishes and strengthen social bonds. The exchange of traditional gifts like "Changkol" (traditional Bhutanese wine) or "Khabzey" (local cookies) reinforces the spirit of camaraderie and unity.

Over the years, the Bhutanese Losar celebration has evolved, reflecting changing times while preserving its essence. In recent times, modern elements like sports competitions, musical concerts, and cultural exhibitions have been integrated into the festivities, creating a harmonious blend of tradition and contemporary appeal.

In a world where cultural heritage often faces the tide of modernization, the Bhutanese Losar celebration stands as a beacon of continuity, resilience, and the unwavering commitment to preserving a rich and diverse cultural legacy. It is a reminder that while the world may change, the threads that weave the tapestry of Bhutan's heritage remain strong and vibrant, intertwining the past, present, and future in a celebration that resonates deeply with the Bhutanese people's hearts and souls.

iClass

In the present year, a distinctive approach to education is being undertaken in one of the ninth-grade classes. Diverging from the conventional teaching methods, this particular class is engaging in learning via video conferencing. This innovative pedagogical method encompasses several schools: Pelkhil Higher Secondary School, Khasadrapchu Higher Secondary School, Tendu Higher Secondary School, P/ling Middle Secondary School, Khuru Middle Secondary School, and Bajothang Higher Secondary School.

Pelkhil HSS assumes the role of the primary teaching institution, orchestrating lessons for all participating schools. The remaining institutions play the role of participating schools. This setup enables students not only to address queries but also to interact with peers from other schools. The educators from the participating institutions play an active role in guiding students within their own classrooms.

It is pertinent to note that this alternative method of instruction is currently limited to specific subjects. The efficacy of this approach in the long run remains uncertain. Challenges such as fluctuations in lighting, audio disparities, and visibility issues with the presentation materials have been encountered. I hold some concern regarding the comprehensive coverage of the syllabus due to the perceived slower pace of instruction. Nonetheless, I am optimistic that the instructional tempo will gain momentum as the program progresses.

Occasionally, logistical issues arising from network connectivity prevent the seamless convening of all participating schools. This endeavor is an improvised initiative, representing our willingness to explore novel educational avenues. Remarkably, even technologically advanced nations might not have embarked on similar endeavors.

I cannot help but express my apprehensions about the state of the Bhutanese education system. It prompts me to reflect on the depth of expertise within our system and our ability to anticipate global trends. The ramifications of the revised English curriculum across all levels are now apparent, with board exam scores reflecting a general decline. While some exceptions exist, the overall average marks are somewhat underwhelming.

Additionally, I find myself compelled to address the introduction of the Canadian mathematics curriculum below the tenth-grade level. Regrettably, I hold a rather unfavorable opinion about this curriculum as it appears to undermine the academic prowess of our students. It is important to clarify that this sentiment is strictly a personal perspective.

In light of these developments, I emphasize the necessity for the Bhutanese education system to attain the highest echelons of quality and robustness. Aiming to preclude any discourse questioning the caliber of education should be the ultimate aspiration, shielding it from becoming a subject of public debate.

Homecoming

Greetings and salutations! We extend a warm and wholehearted welcome to the commencement of the academic session of 2014 at Bajothang Higher Secondary School. Today marks the official inauguration of this session, overseen by our esteemed principal, assisted by three dedicated vice principals, a cohesive team of 48 accomplished educators, and further enriched by the presence of five apprentice teacher students from Samtse College of Education. We eagerly anticipate the possibility of further augmenting our teaching cohort.

In this academic term, we proudly unveil a total of 26 meticulously organized sections, thoughtfully distributed as follows: 12 sections catering to two distinct levels, 11 sections for two other levels, 10 sections accommodating six tiers, 9 sections proficiently handling eight levels, 8 sections engaging with three tiers, and finally, 7 sections involved with five levels.

As an interconnected Bajo community, we embark on a collective odyssey towards the pinnacle of achievement. The realization of our unified ambition rests on the conscientious contributions of each individual. Let us gather as one, with boundless optimism and inspiration, nurturing a shared vision of a fruitful and gratifying academic year in 2014. From this foundation of joy, the remaining aspects shall seamlessly fall into place, guided by our combined efforts and enthusiasm.

Prejudice

Last year, Bajo HSS had a sufficient number of teachers dedicated to instructing commerce and accountancy courses, and there were even some educators left without the opportunity to teach their designated electives. Nevertheless, a situation arose where a teacher, in order to teach elective courses in commerce and accountancy, agreed to teach mathematics as an additional subject upon volunteering.

Similarly, this year, a comparable scenario is unfolding at Bajo HSS, where a teacher is being assigned a subject unrelated to their elective field, contingent upon their willingness to teach history. This is occurring despite an ample presence of teachers already competent in teaching history. In light of these circumstances, questions arise regarding the significance of maintaining academic qualifications and the essence of specializing in elective subjects. The implications touch upon matters of fairness and justice, challenging the notion of equity.

Conversely, it is reasonable for individuals to have well-founded justifications; however, these compromises should not exceed reasonable limits. As professionals, it is imperative to uphold a sense of professional integrity when engaging in academic pursuits. In our Bhutanese context, there exists a prevailing belief in various concepts that might be likened to superstitions or dogma. For instance, it is commonly held that when seeking assistance or placement from a superior, a straightforward approach might not yield results. Instead, having a favorable rapport with a higher authority, such as the head of one's direct superior, could lead to the desired outcome, as they can exert influence in such matters.

This trend has manifested in the past and continues to persist. It underscores the intricate interplay between professionalism and personal connections. Ultimately, the level of professionalism and integrity upheld by an individual within their profession becomes evident in such instances.

Believe it or not

Walnut n Handnail



During my childhood, the act of cracking a walnut or trimming my nails after sunset, whether indoors or outdoors, was never sanctioned. Despite this, I clandestinely attempted to crack walnuts on numerous occasions, often during unconventional hours. However, the pervasive belief held by my parents and shared by many others cast a haunting shadow over my endeavors, dissuading me from pursuing them. This belief asserted that cracking walnuts or trimming nails after sunset symbolized a grievous act akin to bringing harm to one's parents and inviting misfortune. Regardless of my personal stance on this conviction, I have refrained from cracking a single walnut after sunset until this moment. Presently, I comprehend the underlying rationale, freeing myself from the grip of superstition.
Empty containers

 During the early hours of the morning, the sight of vacant containers is believed to herald unfortunate circumstances for the observer. During my days as a student, my thoughts were consistently preoccupied by this particular superstition. Consequently, I would often find myself fervently hoping that the presence of empty containers wouldn't disrupt my morning disposition. However, it was inevitable that I would occasionally cross paths with individuals carrying vacuous containers at daybreak, consequently unsettling my frame of mind on numerous occasions. The recollection of the various negative outcomes that I endured upon encountering vacant baskets or containers lingers vividly in my memory, serving to reinforce my preoccupation with this superstitious notion. Conversely, encountering individuals with containers brimming with contents was believed to attract favorable fortune, and I have indeed encountered a few instances that seemed to validate this belief. Remarkably, even now, I find myself still subscribing to this superstitious belief.
Monkey
Encountering a monkey in the early hours of the morning is believed by many forebears to herald unfortunate outcomes. The endeavors undertaken throughout the day, according to this belief, are destined to be fraught with failure. Personal experiences have reinforced my adherence to this notion. To illustrate, during two separate occasions of interviewing in Thimphu, my path intersected with a congregation of monkeys atop Thinleygang, resulting in unsuccessful interviews on both occasions. Thus, my mind has become ingrained with this particular superstition.