Traditional New Year greeting for Queen of Bhutan

The Queen of Bhutan received a traditional New Year greeting from children from the Thimphu valley at Lingkana Palace.

Queen Jetsun Pema and her three children, Crown Prince Jigme Namgyel, Prince Ugyen Wangchuck and Princess Sonam Yangden, welcomed the children at the Lingkana Palace in the capital of Thumphu. 

The children visited in the morning to recite Lolay, which are the traditional good wishes for the new year on the holiday of Nyilo.

Photo: Royal Office for Media

Nyilo is celebrated throughout Bhutan, but mostly in the western region. It marks the beginning of longer days following the winter solstice.

The Royal Office for Media explained that children traditionally visit homes to recite the Lolay and receive gifts and food. The Lolay offers “wishes for well-being and prosperity for the household and family.”

Photo: Royal Office for Media

The Folk Heritage Museum, with the support of the Tarayana Foundation, invites children to visit the homes in Bhutan to recite the traditional greeting to ward off misfortune and evil spirits.