Melam Chembo

     The Je Khenpho, like Tibet's Dalai Lama, is the supreme religious leader of Bhutan. His visit to Haa occurs during the week long festival called Melam Chembo. Imagine Woodstock for  Buddhists. Today was the first day of the celebration and I took a few photos. I'll rise tomorrow at 4:30 am to hope to pray with the masses and The Je Khenpho.

Prostrating his way thru Melam Chembo. I've seen this man praying both in Paro and in Haa Town.  To protect his body from the rigors of day long prayer he wears a leather apron, wooden blocks on his hands and knee padding.

Tea Time

If you know me at all, you will know how difficult it was for me to sit cross- legged for an hour and a half this morning. Both physically and mentally. Watching this woman count her prayer beads gave me a different focus

Early morning prayers with Je Khempho. The devotion and reverence is striking.

Young monk with a sub machine gun.

Monk Life

A young boy with his family during tea time

Melam Chembo is a time for prayer and celebration. And socializing and catching up with friends.