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 season around Thimphu over the course of Jan 1 and 2.

Bhutan's Time-Honored Tradition: Exploring the Nyilo Season and the Lolay Ritual (Source: Kuensel)

This age-old custom, primarily observed in the western region, serves as a celebration to welcome the new year.

The Bhutanese calendar recognizes Nyilo as the day when the duration of daylight starts to increase, signaling the approach of longer days leading up to the summer solstice. The participating children were organized into groups at 11 different locations spanning from Pangrizampa to Chamgang in Thimphu.

The Zhung Dratshang, in collaboration with the Desuung Nangchoe Programme, actively supports the tradition of children reciting lolay. This month-long orientation and training program, conducted annually since 2016, focuses on imparting knowledge about Buddhism and Bhutanese culture.

Drungtsho Tandin, the program coordinator, emphasized that the children not only learn how to recite lolay but also receive education in religious studies, prayers, yoga, and even basic cooking skills. This year, the children collectively earned around Nu 6,00,000 through their participation. Half of this sum will be distributed among the children, while the other half will be used to provide for their needs until the program concludes.

Among the participants, eight-year-old Zumsel Tshering Chophel, who has been involved in the program for three years, expressed delight in being a part of such a long-standing tradition. Meanwhile, Karma Jurme Drakpa, a 13-year-old newcomer to the program, expressed pride in contributing to the preservation of this ancient tradition among children and expressed a desire to participate in it every year going forward.

The program, which commenced on December 25, is scheduled to conclude on January 25.



Related Posts

Bhutan - The Kingdom with Many New Year Celebrations

If you are a Bhutanese or residence living in Bhutan, you will be fascinated to witness several traditions of...

Dec 26, 2020 01:30

Bhutan Celebrates World Music Day with a Soulful Gathering in...

Bhutan marked World Music Day with a vibrant concert in Thimphu, featuring over 90 artists despite the rain. Discover...

Jun 23, 2025 16:37

What's in a Name? Discover Bhutan's Unique Naming Tradition

In Bhutan, names are traditionally given by monks and not tied to family lineage. Visitors can experience a traditional...

Jun 03, 2025 14:04

Bhutanese Astrology: Ancient Wisdom at Pangri Zampa Monastery

Astrology in Bhutan is not just a cultural curiosity—it’s a living, breathing part of everyday life. At the heart of...

May 26, 2025 14:57

Most Popular Restaurants in Thimphu

Most visitors to Bhutan are aware of our serene hiking trails, religious sites and colorful festivals.

Feb 03, 2025 10:16

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

Latest

News

Bhutan Makes History as the World’s First Nation to Launch a National Digital ID on Ethereum

Bhutan becomes the first country in the world to anchor its National Digital Identity (NDI) system on the Ethereum blockchain. The historic...

Oct 15, 2025 06:22

Bhutan’s King Launches Pelsung: Guardians of Prosperity

His Majesty The King launched Pelsung — Guardians of Prosperity — on the 7th October, 2025. Pelsung is a new national initiative empowering...

Oct 08, 2025 09:57

Features

Desuups- The Guardians of Peace

Desuups program first started in 2011 under the patronage of His Majesty the 5th King of Bhutan. So far 4,457 Bhutanese have trained as...

Oct 14, 2025 16:18

Passion and Purpose: Rinzin’s 20-Year Journey with Zhiwaling

Zhiwaling is proudly celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. To mark this milestone, we have interviewed Rinzin — who has been with...

Sep 24, 2025 17:18

Business

Lee Kum Kee Expands Global Culinary Initiative to Bhutan

Lee Kum Kee launches its Global Culinary Immersion Programme in Bhutan, empowering Bhutanese youth through hands-on culinary exchange,...

Oct 14, 2025 07:12

High Altitude, Higher Ambitions: Bhutan Enters the Wine World

Bhutan has officially stepped onto the global wine stage with the debut of The Himalayan, a record-breaking 7.57-litre bottle auctioned by...

May 23, 2025 16:38

Sports

NBA Stars Visit Bhutan: A Historic Slam Dunk for Local Basketball

For the first time in history, four NBA players have visited Bhutan, igniting nationwide excitement and inspiring a new generation of...

Aug 05, 2025 10:10

Zimbiri Makes History as First Bhutanese Woman Elected to SAFF Executive Committee

Zimbiri has made history as the first Bhutanese woman elected to the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Executive Committee, a landmark...

May 28, 2025 10:49

Tourism

Bhutan Rises to Fourth in Condé Nast Traveller’s Best Countries List

Bhutan ranks fourth in Condé Nast Traveller’s Best Countries in the World list, celebrated for its serene landscapes, Gross National...

Oct 07, 2025 18:27

Bhutan Introduces National Monument Ticketing System for Seamless Visitor Experience

Bhutan has launched a new National Monument Ticketing System, allowing tourists to book entry tickets online for a smoother and more...

Sep 25, 2025 16:08

Lifestyle

Bhutan Celebrates World Music Day with a Soulful Gathering in Thimphu

Bhutan marked World Music Day with a vibrant concert in Thimphu, featuring over 90 artists despite the rain. Discover how music is shaping...

Jun 23, 2025 16:37

What's in a Name? Discover Bhutan's Unique Naming Tradition

In Bhutan, names are traditionally given by monks and not tied to family lineage. Visitors can experience a traditional naming ceremony at...

Jun 03, 2025 14:04

GMC

Gangtey Trulku Rinpoche Visits Pemaling for the Kurkulee Centre Site Inspection

A living mandala is taking shape in Gelephu. Led by Gangtey Trulku Rinpoche, the Kurkulee Centre will stand as a sacred anchor of the...

Oct 06, 2025 13:56

Eight Spiritual Landmarks Taking Shape in Gelephu Mindfulness City

Discover the eight spiritual projects approved under Gelephu Mindfulness City, their vision, purpose, and current development status in...

Oct 06, 2025 13:46

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