It was always a fitting end to a well-enjoyed and for most a very soon ended 2 and half months vacation. After spending losar returning back to school was not so disappointing. We could wear new clothes, eat the most delicious food, and entertain ourselves in any way we wished…and the best thing was we were not rebuked nor scolded by our elders and parents for doing so!!
I see the kids in their bright shiny clothes..laughing and so happy! And I miss those carefree and stress free childhood days of mine when I so wanted to grow up soon. When you are a kid , you must enjoy it fully because childhood won’t last long; it will finish in a jiffy and you will be tossed in this harsh and cruel world of reality. So one must enjoy life when it is so small, simple and innocent before you grow up and realize that your childhood vision of life was only an illusion!
Losar in my college life was not as exciting.Being in a college far from any Tibetan settlements, we had trouble even knowing and remembering which date it falls on since Tibetans followed the lunar calendar, the dates were never the same.We had to attend our regular classes just like any other normal day…that’s when you realize you are an outsider in a foreign country! I hope the students in colleges remember to celebrate this day...even if they have to attend their classes ..I hope they will remember to be happy on this day!!
Now I am no longer in school nor in college. I don’t feel that excitement I used to feel when I was a kid nor do I feel it is a sacrilege to have forgotten Losar and nor worn anything new on this day like I felt when I was in college.
Losar now is such a big headache…what with the shoppings, the cleanings, the cookings to be done!! But when the Big day arrives ,though this place is the same ,you are the same…everything is the same .....but there is a certain buzz in the air that you feel so different and new as well ! You go outside and see all these Tibetans in their best clothes ,in shiny faces and best of all …with their whole family visiting the temple!! It is so moving to see how Losar brings together not only a family together but each and every Tibetan! And what better way to start a new year then by seekimg the blessings of your god with your loved ones!
We visit the temple and see others in their best clothes and smile and laugh …and remember to be happy even if for 3 days only! We all feel like one…we forget our normal differences and dislikes. And I realize the importance of such a day for us.
Tibetans all over the world though seperated by geographical distances become one through the celebration of this day in the same way and in the same joy! In that way we keep alive “Tibet’.
Posts
