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UID:18@haa.gov.bt
DTSTART:20261209T000000Z
DTEND:20261212T235900Z
DTSTAMP:20260205T065919Z
URL:https://haa.gov.bt/events/haa-lomba/
SUMMARY:HAA LOMBA
DESCRIPTION:\nA most special New Year’s celebration\, marking the end of 
 the harvest season and the dawn of the winter solstice\, Lomba has been ce
 lebrated in Western Bhutan for centuries.\n\n\n\nThis festival has long ma
 rked the start of deep winter in Haa and is a time for people to come toge
 ther\, give thanks for the harvest\, and hope for future prosperity.\n\n\n
 \nThe term “Lomba” is derived from the local dialect\, “Lo” meanin
 g year\, and “Ba” signifying to carry forward\, receive in one’s han
 d\, or leave the past behind. Thus\, Lomba translates to “carrying the y
 ear” or “receiving wealth in one’s hand\,” emphasizing the transit
 ion of good luck and prosperity from one year to the next. The timing of t
 he festival is intrinsically linked to the Bhutanese lunar calendar and th
 e agricultural cycle. Lomba typically begins on the 29th day of the 9th or
  10th lunar month\, with official celebrations lasting for up to three day
 s. In 2025\, the celebration was from December 17th to 20th.\n\n\n\nDuring
  Lomba\, communities traditionally recite Lolay\, a rhyme that signifies a
  “prosperous year”. This practice is primarily carried out by the chil
 dren 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 visi
 t the houses in their village. They carry long poles with cane baskets han
 ging from the ends.\n\n\nStanding in front of each household\, they sing t
 he Lolay verses\, which consist of specific well-wishes for health\, wealt
 h\, and prosperity for the coming year. The song continues until the house
 holder comes out to place gifts\, such as Hoentey\, meat\, grains\, or mon
 ey\, into the basket. Hoentey\, the trademark buckwheat dumplings of Haa v
 alley\, is the most iconic element of Lomba. Preparation is done communall
 y in each household and shared with friends and family to celebrate the ne
 w year.\n\n\n\nLomba symbolizes “carrying forward” the good luck of th
 e past year and expelling the misfortunes of the old. As an ancient tradit
 ion\, it showcases the resilience of communities living in one of the worl
 d’s most challenging environments. The preservation of the Lomba traditi
 on is essential for maintaining the cultural identity that defines the hea
 rt of Western Bhutan. If you are lucky enough to find yourself in Bhutan d
 uring December\, make sure to be in Haa for Lomba to ring in the new year\
 , unlike anywhere else in the world! \n\n\n
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CATEGORIES:Culture
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