A most special New Year’s celebration, marking the end of the harvest season and the dawn of the winter solstice, Lomba has been celebrated in Western Bhutan for centuries.
This festival has long marked the start of deep winter in Haa and is a time for people to come together, give thanks for the harvest, and hope for future prosperity.
The term “Lomba” is derived from the local dialect, “Lo” meaning year, and “Ba” signifying to carry forward, receive in one’s hand, or leave the past behind. Thus, Lomba translates to “carrying the year” or “receiving wealth in one’s hand,” emphasizing the transition of good luck and prosperity from one year to the next. The timing of the festival is intrinsically linked to the Bhutanese lunar calendar and the agricultural cycle. Lomba typically begins on the 29th day of the 9th or 10th lunar month, with official celebrations lasting for up to three days. In 2025, the celebration was from December 17th to 20th.
During Lomba, communities traditionally recite Lolay, a rhyme that signifies a “prosperous year”. This practice is primarily carried out by the children of the village, who are viewed as harbingers of good fortune (lolay jang-me). On the evening of the 29th, children form small groups and visit the houses in their village. They carry long poles with cane baskets hanging from the ends.
Standing in front of each household, they sing the Lolay verses, which consist of specific well-wishes for health, wealth, and prosperity for the coming year. The song continues until the householder comes out to place gifts, such as Hoentey, meat, grains, or money, into the basket. Hoentey, the trademark buckwheat dumplings of Haa valley, is the most iconic element of Lomba. Preparation is done communally in each household and shared with friends and family to celebrate the new year.
Lomba symbolizes “carrying forward” the good luck of the past year and expelling the misfortunes of the old. As an ancient tradition, it showcases the resilience of communities living in one of the world’s most challenging environments. The preservation of the Lomba tradition is essential for maintaining the cultural identity that defines the heart of Western Bhutan. If you are lucky enough to find yourself in Bhutan during December, make sure to be in Haa for Lomba to ring in the new year, unlike anywhere else in the world!
