Every year between November to February, most of the households
in Bhutan perform a compulsory annual Lochoe (annual rituals) prayer and food offering
to the triple gem including local deities.
The winter phase is perfect with the harvest stored
and work load at the minimum. During Lochoe, all family members assemble
together and make offering with great devotion and happiness. Their neighbors
and friends also join them. It is an annual merry making feast for the family
that is greatly anticipated and planned with great precision.
During the ceremony, a new Lhadar/Tsendar, a white flag with
three multicolored strips is hoisted on top of the house after blessing by the
Lama followed by Marchang ceremony.
The main purpose of placing flag on top of the roof is
to show appreciation to the local gods and seek continuous protection from
them. The Tsendar is said to represent the banner of local deities.
The Lhadar/Tsendar consists of a white cloth with three colors
(blue, red and yellow) strips cloths stitched on to it in horizontal stripes.
The three colors represent Rigsum Goem (Chenrigzig, Jambayang and Chana
Dorji). Further the flag in totality also represent Rigsum Goenpo. The
Reldri represents Jampelyang (Manjushri), flag represents Chenrizig
(Avalokiteshvara) and pole represents Chana Dorji (Vajrapani).
As such the flag is said to protect the house,
occupants and animals from all evils.
When placing the flag the edge of the flag should face
north. The edge of the Reldri is very important, it shouldn't face your house
nor your neighbors' house for it brings in bad luck. You shouldn't also allow
your neighbors to point their Reldri edge to your house.
In olden days, it is also said that only those house
that has volume of the Domang and Gaytom Buddhist scriptures or only nobles who
can sponsor a ceremonial tea offering to the monastic body were entitled to
have the Reldri and Khorlo. Today, every family uses the Reldri on their flag
even when they don't have Domang and Gaytom scriptures.
