One night adds one year to my life

The 29^th day of the 10^th month in Bhutanese calendar is very special for people of Haa and Paro. It is called Lomboo (Lomba).  It is undeniably the most special occasion for us. The memories of my past celebration with family members are still very vivid through my mind. It brings all family members together. The specialty of the occasion is marked by preparing of our traditional diet called ‘Hapi Hoentey’, which is a cluster of well-prepared vegetable ingredients enclosed inside flour baked cover. If there is one thing Haaps and Parops have to gift to friends during Lomba, it must be ‘Hoentey’ only. Believe me, anyone will appreciate its indigenous taste, if you come across

This year, it is unfortunate for me, I have to celebrate the occasion away from my parents. I must mark it as usual and make the night special with special traditional dishes. But, can I feel so special as before? We are planning to make it even more special and memorable one.

As far as my community is concerned, the Lombo day is a margin which divides our ages. No matter when we are born, soon after we cross lombo day (or night), we add one more year to our age line. For instance, if a child is born a day before Lombo, next day he/she will be two years old. The Lombo stands between those two years. That makes our Lomboo very unique from rest of the festivals and occasions. It gives me opportunity to experience silver jubilee of birth tomorrow. I become older by one year. The more responsibility descends on my shoulder as I merriment more and more Lomboos. And, one more year closer to my death day……. he he ………..

So, friends join me in celebrations and wish me a luck. 


Happy Lomboo to all those who celebrate it.