The sound of
religious instruments echoed, staffs and students were running to and fro. It was Annual
School Rimdro.
On the auspicious day of 20th May 2012, a good Zakar was marked for
conducting a ritual, and the staff and students of the school woke up
early to prepare for it. Lopen Wangchuk and Mr Singye Tshering went to
Damphu for the reception of Lamas and to gather necessary items, while
Mr Kuenga Dendup prepared porridge for the Lamas at 5:00 AM. Mr Kinzang
Dorji, the caterer, gathered utensils, and Lopen Yonten Norbu, the
coordinator, arranged Choezham, breakfast, and Phebja. Mr. Rudraman was
assigned as the cook for the students, who drowsily started instructing
other cooks about the menu for lunch. Mr. Kunzang Thinley, the sound
system in-charge, fixed the microphones and loudspeakers, while the
author of this passage was the last person with no assigned task, moving
around to see if there was anything they could do to help.
When someone yelled, "Singye sir's car," the principal, Lop Yonten, and I rushed to queue for the reception of the
Lamas, and then ushered them to the Choezham. Once the Lama was seated
on the Zhugthri, they were served Phebja, and the Marchang ceremony
commenced, followed by the Lhabtsang. The recitation and chanting of
prayers continued, and when the Choezhampa yelled that it was time for
Suja Dreitsi, yellowed rice mixed with sweet spices and salted butter
tea were served. There was no time to rest as the Lama and Gelongs began
clattering cymbals, blowing horns, and beating drums. Another pin-drop
silence was called, and it was now time for breakfast.
Lopen Yonten and Kunzung Thinley received support from Lop Aum Sonam
Choden and Phuntsho Wangmo in preparing meals for the Lamas and invited
guests. Everything was placed on time, and there was no hustle and
bustle as the entire team worked cohesively and flawlessly. The two Aums
exhibited innate talents in kitchen chores, impressing everyone with
their skills.
The altruistic villagers joined the school with lots of Tshog items and
offered Nyendar in the altar, perhaps to sweep away all negative karmas
accumulated in the past and present, and gain good merits for the rest
of their lives. They received blessings and religious instructions from
the Lama, which would serve as guiding principles to empower their
successful lives ahead. As a gesture of appreciation for their valuable
presence alongside their busy schedules, a flock of villagers were
served with a simple lunch.
After lunch was finished around 2:00 PM, prostrations, anointment, and
Wang Shayt followed. A flock of people were once again gathered to evict
effigies out from the altar, indicating the close of Rimdro. The Lamas
and Gelongs chanted a concluding prayer, Tashi, and offered Gyabcha.
There was not much delay before they were served dinner and seen off in
Kharu's vehicle.
The entire day had been bright and beautiful, as if Ugyen Guru Rinpoche
had descended in our school to perform a powerful ritual to cleanse all
bad omens and negative karmas of the learners and educators.
The chaotic and hectic day finally came to a close, and everyone could
relax and breathe long. From every face radiated rays of quenching joy
and satisfaction.
