𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐤𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐮𝐦 𝐉𝐨𝐦𝐨 𝐑𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐬, 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐞

…𝑨𝒔 𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔-𝒐𝒍𝒅 𝒑𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒖𝒓𝒆, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒓𝒐𝒍𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒅𝒆𝒊𝒕𝒚, 𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒐𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚.

By Kezang Choden

In the remote corners of eastern Bhutan, the youths of Merak and Sakteng gewogs are breathing new life into ancient customs, gathering to honour Aum Jomo, the revered deity safeguarding their communities. As the centuries-old ritual unfolds, so does a commitment to cultural heritage that transcends generations.

Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Tashigang Dzongkhag, the gewogs of Merak and Sakteng are alive with vibrant traditions as the local youth take the reins in preserving the centuries-old ritual dedicated to Aum Jomo. This deity, believed to offer protection against misfortunes, has been central to the community’s spiritual life since the ritual’s origins in the 13th century.

Every year, on the 14th and 15th days of the 8th month in the Bhutanese calendar, residents gather to perform this time-honoured ceremony, reaffirming their deep-seated faith in Aum Jomo.

The annual ritual, marked by prayers, offerings, and communal festivities, not only serves as a spiritual undertaking but also acts as a significant cultural event for the people of Merak and Sakteng. As Gup Nima of Merak emphasizes, “The Aum Jomo ritual is the most important ceremony for our communities’ well-being.” His words resonate with the locals, showcasing the collective commitment to ensuring that this cherished tradition endures.

In recent years, however, concerns have arisen regarding the potential fading of such customs amidst urban migration and modern influences. Gup Nima has shared a growing anxiety among the youth about losing this vital aspect of their cultural identity. “Many of our youth worry that the Aum Jomo ritual might disappear if it is not actively practiced and preserved,” he stated, highlighting the urgent need for intergenerational learning.

In response, a wave of enthusiasm has emerged among the younger generations. They are stepping up to learn the intricacies of the ritual from their parents and elders, demonstrating a desire to keep their cultural heritage alive. Gup Nima said, “Although many of our youth have moved to urban areas, those who remain are committed to preserving the Aum Jomo ritual. They recognize its significance to our identity and spiritual well-being.”

The trek to the remote site where the ritual takes place requires nearly five hours, yet it is a journey many youths willingly undertake. Tshewang Tshering, the Gup of Sakteng Gewog, has observed a noticeable increase in youth participation in the Aum Jomo ritual. He attributes this trend to the proactive efforts of the elders in the community, who are eager to share the cultural and spiritual importance of the ritual.

“The involvement of local youth and students is crucial,” Gup Tshewang said. “Elders play an active role in educating them about the traditions, ensuring the ritual’s continuation and relevance.” His commitment to preserving cultural practices is echoed by community members who understand that such rituals foster unity and a connection to historical roots.

Phurpa, a 54-year-old resident of Merak, affirms the importance of Aum Jomo for the well-being of villagers. “Aum Jomo has long been believed to safeguard the community from misfortunes and bring blessings,” he said. The ritual is a living testament to the villagers’ enduring faith, and he has noticed a positive shift in youth attitudes toward this tradition.

“It is heartening to see young people participating in the preparations for the ritual, learning the sacred practices passed down through generations,” he added. Phurpa emphasizes that the active involvement of youth is crucial for the continuity of the ritual. “The younger generation must carry on this tradition for the well-being of the entire community.”

The Aum Jomo ritual not only serves as a spiritual act but also strengthens the cultural identity of Merak and Sakteng. It is a time for reflection, unity, and the reaffirmation of shared values. For young participants like Rinchen Rada, a 17-year-old from Sakteng Gewog, this ritual holds immense personal significance. “I feel a great sense of responsibility and happiness in ensuring that we keep our traditions alive for future generations,” he expressed.

Rinchen’s connection to Aum Jomo reflects a broader trend among the youth in Merak and Sakteng. As they learn from their elders, they are not just acquiring knowledge about the ritual; they are also imbibing values of community, spirituality, and resilience. “Even though I am young, I realize how important this ritual is to our community,” Rinchen stated. His words encapsulate the sense of continuity that the ritual provides, linking the present to the past.

Through the efforts of committed youths and supportive elders, the Aum Jomo ritual is not merely a relic of history but a dynamic practice that evolves while retaining its core significance. The commitment to preserving this ritual is evident in the enthusiasm of the young participants, who carry the hopes and dreams of their ancestors into the future.

The interplay between tradition and modernity is a delicate balance that the youths of Merak and Sakteng navigate with care. Many young people have moved to urban centers for education and employment, yet they remain deeply connected to their roots. They understand the importance of maintaining this link, recognizing that cultural heritage is not just about preserving the past; it is about enriching their identities in a changing world.

As the preparations for the Aum Jomo ritual unfold each year, the commitment to honoring Aum Jomo grows stronger. The youths’ involvement is a powerful testament to their understanding of the value of cultural practices, not just as a form of heritage but as a living, breathing part of their community’s fabric.

The efforts of the youths in Merak and Sakteng to uphold the Aum Jomo ritual demonstrate a profound dedication to their cultural identity. As they gather to honour their local deity, they reinforce the bonds that unite their communities and foster a sense of belonging. The commitment to passing down these sacred practices from one generation to the next is essential not only for preserving tradition but also for nurturing the spirit of community that defines Merak and Sakteng.

With the unwavering support of their elders and the vibrant enthusiasm of the youth, the future of the Aum Jomo ritual appears bright. Together, they are not just safeguarding a tradition; they are ensuring that the essence of their culture continues to thrive in a world that is constantly evolving. As the next generations step forward, they carry the legacy of Aum Jomo, a protector of the people, and a symbol of the enduring spirit of the Merak and Sakteng communities.