Paro Tsechu

Paro Tsechu (Religious Festival), a grand social time and parade of finery as well as spiritual significance. Our Bhutanese hosts/family rose early and dressed us all in traditional handwoven silk kiras, bejewelled with antique red coral and turquoise necklaces, and attended the festivities in the very early morning at the five story high dzong. (built in the 16th C and houses the courts, government and monastic offices for the area). Before the sun moved around through the morning hours onto the giant tapestry, we had an opportunity to kiss the painting of Guru Rinpoche, in hopes of tashi delek (good luck, as spoken in the national Dzongka language).

Puja

Puja, a time for family prayers, appeasing the deities and feasting for hours. Puja has some elements of our North American Thanksgiving, but the chanting, drones of the horns and drum playing by the monks in the alter room definitely reminds me that we are in Thimphu, not home enjoying our typical roast turkey feast.