Nyilo, a story.
-Tandin Wangchuk
The waterpipe had frozen. There trees were bald. The ground and the flowers frost. It is much more and not less than a time stopped by the cold, chilly winter. There was no sign of humanity outdoors. Everyone was inside their dwelling, gathered near the warm chimney. It was convincing enough as the means of survival.
Little Tenzin was also inside his uncle’s place. He was coated with a yak fur jacket and sat beside his uncle and aunt. His aunt, Dema had prepared a warm red rice porridge with beef, chugo (cheese) and finely sprinkled pepper. Tenzin felt warm through all possible means of defeating the freezing winter.
As they sipped porridge and sat near the chimney with nothing more or less to do, his uncle Dorji unconsciously started humming in a low and timid voice. “Tell me you are not singing uncle.” Said Tenzin. “what is the meaning of that?” Dorji questioned. Tenzin was anxious to know what Dorji was singing. “I just heard a melodious humming from you uncle. It was really welcoming and pleasing to my ear.” Said Tenzin. “So, I would like to know what that was.”
This was more of encouragement than a compliment and Dorji was delighted to share it. “Ah, I was reminiscing the good old days with my friends when I was your age. Around this time of the year, we use to sing carol and knock every door in the locality to wish them a very joyous year ahead. In return, they would gift us with food and sometimes, money.” Dorji and Tenzin both grinned.
“Cut it off. Both of you.” Said Dema. “Keep your carol to yourself and think of fetching water at home. The water is about to finish. Tenzin, if you have nothing to do than to listen to your old, haggard, mundane, tedious, dull and boring uncle, go and fetch water with him.” She said it in a bitter way and Tenzin had to doubt if she had more pepper in her porridge. “it is freezing outside. Can’t we do it when the place gets a bit warmer.” Requested Tenzin than to have argued. “Alright, you little monkey. I will spare you two today but the very first thing you will do tomorrow will be to go and fetch water and I will listen to none of your excuse. Do you hear me. If not, I’ll pull your pig like ears.”
Tenzin and Dorji exchanged an imaginary high five for their glorious victory over his old, haggard, mundane, tedious, dull and whatever horrendous adjectives she gave to Dorji.
They had finished their dinner early before quarter passed six as the youthful night watched upon them. Dema went to sleep and within minutes, she felt asleep like pig which she described about Tenzin’s ear.
“The carol is called LOLEY.” Announced Dorji like a principal of Tenzin’s school beside the warm chimney which was not so warm as the morning scorching sun of school assembly. “Loley, literally means good year. As said earlier, it is a song or carol sung to wish everyone a good and wonderful year ahead.” “Can it be any day of the year.” Inquired Tenzin with no vivid answer of when it is celebrated. “Oh, my boy. I forgot to mention. It is done once a year. In fact, it is done in the eve of Nyilo (winter solstice). Generally, it falls on second of January.
“Firstly, we call all of our friends.” Said Dorji. “He is more excited to share than I am to ask.” Thought Tenzin and gave a friendly smile of admiration. Dorji accepted with humbleness and continued. “Then when we gather, we discuss how we will start the carol. we have to go around the village and not miss a single household. We wish everyone in the family a very happy year ahead. In wishing them, we sing the carol.” said Dorji and Tenzin nodded to let Dorji continue. “each one of us had a responsibility to take. Some have to carry the rice, some milk, some cheese, some egg, some meat, which ever is given by the villagers. I was the leader of the group and I managed the money given by the people. Trust me, I had not the slightest intension to keep some money aside for myself.” Said Dorji with pure honesty in his brown eyes and Tenzin confirmed him that a gentleman at heart will never do such stingy delinquency.
As Dorji went on sharing his story, Tenzin drowned in questions of what Dorji and friends sang which brought them food and more. “Before I share you the magic song, I shall tell you that whatever we got during the venture was used for the picnic we organise the following day. We calculate how much we have got and then buy essential thigs for the picnic.” Said Dorji. “oh, you all went for picnic during Nyilo and used what you got the day before.” Confirmed Tenzin. “yes, a picnic. We would have rice, cheese, egg and meat but we buy oil, juice, biscuit, chips, fruits, cake and anything needed from the money we have got.” Said dorji. “so, you don’t divide the money within” asked Tenzin. “No, our intention was to have a good time with friends and family. Whatever we get will be utilised during the Nyilo.”
“okay wait.” Interrupted Tenzin and asked. “Do you invite families as well” “Yes. But we invite them only for lunch.” Answered Dorji.
“we get a great feeling of satisfaction when you see all the people come together and have a really good time.” Dorji smiled reminiscing the satisfaction he felt long time ago. “sometimes, people do convey their appreciations for taking such initiative.”
With no knowledge of time, Dorji and Tenzin sat infront of the chimney. the sudden loudness of aunt snoring made them realise that it was late and they should go to bed.
“uncle.” Said Tenzin, showing no sign to conclude. “I would like to know the carol you all sang. Can you share with me if you don’t mind? I am dying to listen to it.” “of course, dear boy. I can, I would and I will share to you. It is much of a blessing than a burden to share it.” Said Dorji as if he had gathered all his energy to hit a wood with an axe.
