A village house in Simply Bhutan. Photo courtesy: www.simplybhutan.bt |
Back in Thimphu, I met my old friend Yen Jams who was in the capital for a brief visit. As a part of our customary roaming, we decided to visit newly inaugurated museum called Simply Bhutan. Simply Bhutan is a living museum in Thimphu that houses demonstration stalls, souvenir shops and array of studios. Above all, it has a traditional village house that portrays a living style in our villages. This village house has a good collection of ancient household items. It was precisely built and properly maintained. Being there was like going back in time. It reminded me of my village, at least the house.
As seen there, houses in my village also had a shinglep roofing but now replaced by CGI sheets. The
Thabtsang Studio (traditional kitchen)
is beautifully ancient and reminded me of my mother who amidst thick smoke and burning
heat, often with her burnt fingers still cooked delicious meals for us. We believe that Thab Lha – the god of
oven resides in Thab (traditional
oven) but now, Thabs are replaced by
imported stoves. Choesham
(Altar) at Simply Bhutan has a serene and blessed atmosphere. It is as good as the one we once had,
it reminded me of my father, who is no more today. Most of the time, he used to be in Choesham
and devoted his time in prayers. He was a man, who balanced love with
discipline. Today, in absence of all those wonderful things, it is a surreal
feeling even to think of my village.
Now, Simply Bhutan is my house of memories and the place
to visit whenever I miss my early days. I will bring my children too and dine
inside the Thabtsang in the most
traditional way. I can talk to them about many things in the house.
Coming out of Choesham, we saw a group of young people
taking pictures near a traditional ladder, I looked at Yen Jams but he already
got the message “It is really going back in time” he said and I nodded, because
during our time young people loved to take photographs more in the city amidst
huge concrete structures.
By then we were already at wish pond that lies below
the overlooking statue of Lord Buddha. “You can say your prayers and make your wish
here” said a soft spoken young man from Simply Bhutan, who accompanied and
guided us throughout. I didn’t know what Yen Jams wished for but the only wish I had that moment was, let good things on earth prevail and eliminate greed so that people can
actualize enlightenment and become good to each other as it was there in the past. After having
prayed, we turned the prayer wheels and exited that enchanting place called
Simply Bhutan. It was a magical experience with immense take-home
message.
Bhutan looks like such a beautiful and simple little place that I would love to visit very soon! I really enjoyed this story a lot! Thanks for posting
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