Amazing Stories from the Eastern Part of Bhutan

Email

You can't say you have visited the eastern part of Bhutan unless you have experienced the following bizarre things.

Amazing Stories from the Eastern Part of Bhutan Beautiful picture of His Majesty with Gyalsay in a maize field in Eastern Bhutan (Source: Yellow Page)

Alcohol Over Morning Tea

The people of the East are known as ‘Sharchopas’. Sharshopas drink locally brewed alcohol called ‘Bangchang’ instead of morning tea. During special occasions and festivals, most people drink alcohol instead of traditionally served rice porridge. Decades ago, there are stories that parents would feed their baby sip of alcohol so that baby fall asleep and that parents get ample time to work in the field. However, this custom is changing in Bhutan. Due to health awareness programs, in the far-flung region of the country, peasants are discouraged from such practices.


Kharang- The popular staple food
Eastern part of Bhutan is famous for maize. Maize is one of the main staples in eastern and south-central Bhutan. Kharang is coarsely ground granules of maize. Traditionally, maize is ground in quern/stone hand mill (rang thang) as explained earlier where it gives different products – coarse particles which is kharang and the fine flour. Maize kharang is usually eaten mixed with rice or whole kharang in those places where there is a lack of rice.


Bomena Practices
Night hunting organically called Bomena, the custom in rural eastern Bhutan was a way of allowing courtship between the man and woman partners. Often a girl would leave a window or door unlatched for her suitor to come late at night with the girl’s parent’s knowledge. However, the tradition of night hunting is on its waning stage.

Pilgrim Midnight Courtship
In Tashi Yangtse district, the extraordinarily temple, surrounded by terraced rice fields called Gom Kora or Actually Gomphu Kora (Gomphu meaning Meditation place and Kora means Circumambulation). During the auspicious occasion, hundreds of local people visit the temple during and weirdly Pilgrims stay up all night to find a partner they can circumambulate the Lhakhang with. Strange!


Omba Nye – Lion Nest of East
Omba Nye is yet another religious landmark and popular holy pilgrim site in eastern Bhutan. It is blessed by Guru Rinpochoe, the great Buddhist Saint. The cave stands tall on a very steep cliff like the Tigers Nest in Paro. One wrong move and the pilgrim's life would be jeopardized. There are also temples, caves and various sites of religious importance nearby. There are a homestay and some good camping sites in or near the village of Omba.


Best Brides from the East
Have you ever tried to charm beautiful sharchop women and humble sharchop men Sharchops are known for being gentle, kind and very skilful particularly in weaving Gho and Kira (Bhutanese Traditional Wear). Try finding your soulmate if you ever visit the east. You might become lucky. In Bhutan, many suitors aspire to marry woman from the east.


Related Posts

Chunipa Losar: Bhutan's Timeless Celebration of Traditions and...

Chunipa Losar is a day of offerings, a moment when communities come together to express gratitude, seek blessings, and...

Jan 12, 2024 12:31

Bhutan's Time-Honored Tradition: Exploring the Nyilo Season and...

Approximately 750 children recently took part in the traditional practice known as "lolay" in Bhutan, marking the...

Jan 04, 2024 14:18

Balancing Dreams and Realities: An Attempt of a Bhutanese To Live...

Australia has long held an equally special allure for Bhutanese with a tantalizing prospect of the ‘Australian Dream’...

Oct 26, 2023 11:51

Crafting dreams in Laya: The carpenter settlers of the highlands

Laya, nestled in the Bhutanese highlands, is known for its stunning natural beauty and unique cultural heritage.

Sep 12, 2023 11:28

Chillies, a spicy affair in Bhutan

The Bhutanese love it hot.

Jun 07, 2022 23:55

Bhutan is traditionally a matriarchal society

Women are the decision-makers at home, but something is keeping them from public life.

May 27, 2022 22:14

Latest

News

Royal Inauguration of Changyul Park

On August 23, 2024, Changyul Park in Changzamtok, Thimphu, was officially inaugurated in a grand ceremony graced by His Majesty the King,...

Nov 12, 2024 11:02

Drukair Expands International Network with New Dubai-Paro Route

Drukair officially launched its new twice-weekly flights to Dubai on the 28th October 2024, marking a significant step in expanding the...

Nov 04, 2024 14:46

Features

Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck Receives Inaugural Smile Asia Philanthropic Visionary Award

Over 230 children in Bhutan have received free surgeries for facial deformities through a partnership between Smile Asia, a Singapore-based...

Aug 19, 2024 14:15

Rifles and Rituals: Satire and Societal Shifts in Bhutan as Portrayed in 'The Monk and The Gun

Pawo Choyning Dorji, whose film "The Monk and the Gun" offers insight into the Himalayan nation's modernization process.

Feb 20, 2024 11:04

Business

Brand Bhutan: Karma Yangchen

Karma Yangchen, a distinguished artisan from Bhutan exemplifies a profound commitment to the art of handwoven textiles.

Dec 14, 2023 10:22

Brand Bhutan: Bhutan Herbal Tea

Bhutan Herbal Tea is the brainchild of two Bhutanese individuals who first crossed paths in New York during a Bhutanese New Year gathering...

Nov 25, 2023 13:56

Sports

Bhutan Cricket's New Milestone: The Inaugural Indoor Cricket Academy

The Bhutan Cricket Council Board (BCCB) inaugurated its inaugural indoor cricket academy on 20th December, with the objective of ensuring...

Dec 21, 2023 14:57

Paro FC Clinches Third Consecutive Victory in BOB Bhutan Premier League

Paro FC has once again claimed the BOB Bhutan Premier League championship, marking their third consecutive title victory during the season's...

Dec 12, 2023 10:26

Travel

New Immigration Post Opens in Samdrupjongkhar

International tourists can now enter and exit through the eastern border town of Samdrupjongkhar, following the official inauguration of the...

Nov 08, 2024 15:10

Changi Airports International and BIG Team Up for Bhutan’s Next Regional Hub

Changi Airports International (CAI) of Singapore has been chosen to collaborate with the renowned architectural firm Bjarke Ingels Group...

Oct 08, 2024 10:49

Lifestyle

Chunipa Losar: Bhutan's Timeless Celebration of Traditions and Offerings

Chunipa Losar is a day of offerings, a moment when communities come together to express gratitude, seek blessings, and strengthen bonds.

Jan 12, 2024 12:31

Bhutan's Time-Honored Tradition: Exploring the Nyilo Season and the Lolay Ritual

Approximately 750 children recently took part in the traditional practice known as "lolay" in Bhutan, marking the beginning of the Nyilo...

Jan 04, 2024 14:18

Subscribe to our newsletter

Never miss out on new happenings and news stories!

newsletter

Download Daily Bhutan Mobile App

Connecting with us just got easier!

android app
apple app