11/11/2023
Memories of 11th November
Every year the day, 11th November literally takes my mind back to 1990s. By then 11th November was one of the much awaited celebration celebrated in grand manner. It used to be one of the occasion not to be missed. 3 or 4 months prior to the celebration day, excitement would keep mounting on the faces of each and every innocent little children in schools. There used to be lots of preparation; March past, games and sports, cultural items for day, cultural items for night, items for guests and parents.
Among all, March past was the one that the teachers used to guide and monitor to let us perform in perfect manner. The hands must swing in such a way that it's neither thrown too high nor kept low. "You must make it straight to the level of your shoulder!". I vividly remember teachers taking the steps along with us and shouting. All those efforts from teachers and commitment from students were in respect to our great fourth by then.
" It's thrungkar duechen", " it's gatoen", the villagers too would talk and prepare themselves mentally for the occasion to present themselves in their best attire. Moreover, the parents too used to be curious to witness the programs of their sons and daughters, brothers and sisters.( don't know if they really knew the significance of the day😆 for I remember, I too have known the day by the name 11th November and knew no other than that during my primary school days). Purposefully to be worn during the day, we used to buy new school uniform, especially, a white canvas shoes must be bought new if not for other kira or tego😁
On that day, the program would begin as early as 8 with marchang ceremony and speech by the cheifguest. The real event would begin with March past in house wise. The song 'Druk Tshenden koepi Gyelkhab Na.....gawa dhu gi kiba dhu go.' sung with lot of pride and happiness, raising our national flag high followed by the portrait of our forth king raised to the level of the flag held by the captains standing infront. The patriotic song with its melodic tune made everyone happy and proud despite the the fact its meaning were unknown to most. Our parents used to take shelter under the trees, above the ground, below the ground and by the side of the ground. In the mid of the events, be it in line or in group , the pair of eyes will be in search of our parents among the audiences and like wise they used to watch the program at the same time trying to spot where their son or daughter is. 💞That was also the day to reflect upon the bond parent and child share, the happiness and pride citizens had towards one's king and country. There would be some parents with numerous fruits; oranges, nuts, sugar cane, guava, for sell. It was infact the charm of the occasion, enjoy buying and eating!😋
Towards the afternoon, most of the children used to carry a bag full of prizes they won from varieties of sports they took part. The prizes would consist of very necessities such as pencil, geometry box, soap case, mirror, plate, mug, comb, towels, etc. When the winners profoundly hand over their prizes to parents I remember parents accepting it with an expression of gratitude and appreciation. That was so touching, so sweet. Sadly, I don't remember getting any prizes.☹ Ofcourse, I took part in marble and spoon race, balance race( that was placing a mug full of water on our head and taking a certain distance, whoever reaches the end point first with a mug still on the head was a winner), thread and needle, picking the coin, etc.(Wow! the memories are worth cherishing!)😇
The excitement doesn't end there and the story doesn't end here as well😅, we used to stage a cultural program at night for 3 consecutive nights. ( I remember my self being on the stage to present a nursery rhyme- butterfly coming dancing and dancing and dancing, all the summer day🤣, I was also given an opportunity to play a role of a Tibetan girl from the Dzongkha story in which a head of the family goes to fetch salt from Tibet....😆)
Such was the memory of 11th Novemebr I had from my childhood days in phongmey primary school. I am pretty sure many of my mates might be having the same memory.
Today, I realize that it had been the best of times, for having got to pray for our king and for getting to dedicate ourselves in small way to our country and king. All happend in unity. Though its significance was never known but this doesn't mean our teacher didn't share importance of the day to us but we were too small to grasp the meaning or remember the message I guess. Now as I reflect upon it I realize we have done great!
With this memory of 90s I humbly pay my deepest respect and prayer for the long live of our great fourth.🙏🙏🙏
May your Majesty live long and happy paving the path for us.😇😇🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
