ANNUAL RIMDRO

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.