Tibetans savour ‘united guthuk’ to bring in the New Year/ENG

2018. február 15./Phayul.com/TibetPress

eredeti cikk

By Tenzin Monlam

DHARAMSHALA, February 15: Tibetans here took part in a mass Guthuk on the 29th day of the 12th Tibetan month yesterday to kick-off Losar (Tibetan New Year) but with a bit of satire on the Tibetan society. The tradition of people gathering to celebrate in unison, a ‘united Guthuk’ (Tib: Chikdril Guthuk) was organized by Tibet Theater yesterday at the main square of Mcleod Ganj.

Guthuk, a hard-rolled noodle soup, is traditionally prepared on the 29th day of the final month of the Tibetan lunar calendar to in Tibetan homes to ward off all the evil spirits and misfortune of the past year and begin the new year on an auspicious note.

With this in mind, Lhakpa Tsering, Founder of Tibet Theater said that the main aim of organizing united guthuk is to exorcise all the negativities surrounding the exile Tibetan community.

“Lately, there have been many incidents of people creating division in our community under the guise of democracy. Such actions carry great consequences, especially to the spirit of those Tibetans living inside Tibet,” Lhakpa said, adding that his initiative would help begin the New Year in an auspicious manner.

Lhakpa also feels that with the improved lifestyle and busy lives, Tibetans are losing the tradition of getting together to celebrate Losar.

“I hope that this would help revive the tradition and set a precedent for the younger generations,” Lhakpa said.

During guthuk, Tibetans also prepare ‘Lue’ or effigy made of dough. It is considered as the carrier through which the misfortunes are driven away from individuals and homes.

With the theme of driving away evil spirits and ill fortunes from the Tibetan community, Lhakpa had prepared Lue to ward off ‘illness causing regionalism’ and ‘illness causing segregation’.

The Losar or the Tibetan year 2145 falls on February 16., 2018.