Memory to cherish

It was in December, days have been passed delivering technical support to the interested farmers under Pemagatshel dzongkhag who opt for orchard development in their farm. The technical support includes site verification, orchard layout and training on orchard management practices as it’s the favorable time that ease orchard layout.

My team reached at one of the peaceful place called Yangbari village under Gongdue geog in Mongar connected by Wangchuk zam via Durungri, Dungmaed under Pemagatshel dzongkhag. The village consists of 50 households speaking different dialect which includes Shashop, Khengpa and Gongdup.

Gazing over sub-tropical fruit trees like arecanut plantation in rows and oblong papaya fruits hanging on the trees were some of the good observation that sustain beautiful scenery of Yangbari village. It was by coincidence that we were at Yangbari on Ngenpa Guzom eve that obstructs our work to be done next day as they grandly celebrate Ngenpa Guzom.

Wild Potato Soup

The next morning, as I opened the window a fresh air around and lovely dew drops over the green leaves filled my heart with sense of joy. The day started having hot morning bed tea served by the hospitable host at Toa tshogpas house followed by delicious soup prepared from wild Potato. Soup is considered very special by the Khengpas that they have to go in search for wild potato in the forest a day before Nyenpa Guzom. Having yummy soup for the first time that taste very good will be memorable one and a memory to cherish in future.

By then, host is ready to serve us lunch arranged in a special way. They prepared Bhutanese red rice with varieties of curry including non-veg and vegetable curry. Eating together is must that all are gathered for lunch followed by drinks and all. Although I am in a new place detached from family, I could feel some close attachment with host the way they treat us.

Kolokpa Game

As I wander around the Yangbari village, I could see individuals busy enjoying the day. A team of Archers on one side and a group of men is playing Degor in another and even two groups of ladies enjoying Kolokpa. It is a new game for me where two teams compete for hitting the arranged dried fruit seed. A team who is able to hit all the dried fruit seed is considered as winner. They do hit from a distance in turn wise so that all can get equal opportunity. They already keep bet within the group either on cash or dinner etc. Eventually day ends with enjoyment, getting together with friends and relatives. Nevertheless, Kolokpa teams go for Changkor in the evening that includes dancing and singing while moving house to house, in return host serve them drinks. It is indeed a good moment getting together with friends and neighbours.

Being able to celebrate Ngenpa Guzom with the people of Yangbari was enjoyable indeed where one could learn the culture and traditions of the community.