In the remote Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, the arrival of the eighth month on the Bhutanese lunar calendar heralds a sacred and age-old celebration – the Thruebab or ‘Descent of Blessed Water’ festival. This unique cultural event, observed primarily in eastern Bhutan, pays homage to the purifying and healing properties bestowed upon the world’s waters during this auspicious time.
The Origins of Thruebab
While there are various folk beliefs surrounding Thruebab’s significance, Bhutanese astrologers offer a fascinating cosmic explanation. According to them, when the sun enters the domain of Virgo in the 8th Bhutanese month and for a week directly shines on the star Rishi which is identified with Canopus, its rays illuminate a celestial form comprised of crystals and precious ketaka gemstones. In Vedic tradition, Rishi represents the great sage Agastya, who has the power to bless rainfall and purify waters.
It is believed that the luminous star Rishi emanates rays capable of cleansing all impurities from waters across the Earth. Coming into contact with this celestial light renders water cool, sweet, soothing and free of toxins – imbued with eight revered qualities beneficial for health and vitality according to the ancient Sowa Rigpa medical tradition.
Buddhist folklore adds another mystical layer to Thruebab’s origins. It is said that ages ago, celestial beings crafted a statue of Buddha Vairocana adorned with a crown made of the very same crystals and ketaka gems comprising Rishi. When this star shines upon Buddha’s statue for one week yearly, drops of divine nectar are released and flow into the rivers and streams across the world, blessing the waters with profound healing powers.
During this sacred week, people place water containers outside to absorb the star’s light and engage in ritual bathing and cleansing. Astrologers, serving under the Je Khenpo, the chief abbot, calculate the precise moment for these rituals, guiding citizens to rise before dawn for the cleansing ceremonies.
An End and A Beginning
While centered around nature’s renewal through blessed waters, Thruebab also marks two key transition points in Bhutan’s annual cycle – the end of the monsoon season and the start of the harvest period after months of arduous farming. Families gather for a breakfast of thup, a nourishing porridge symbolizing the year’s agricultural efforts and the promise of abundance. This festival, reinstated as a public holiday, invites all Bhutanese to bathe in the sanctified waters, shedding negative karma and embracing renewal.
Through Thruebab, Bhutanese communities celebrate not only the mystical alignment of stars but also their enduring connection to nature’s cycles, drawing strength and unity from the celestial blessings bestowed upon their land.
