23 September. Blessed rainy day. How Bhutan believe spiritually

 Blessed Raining Day, known in Dzongkha as Thrue Bab, is one of the most cherished traditional holidays in Bhutan. It is celebrated annually according to the Bhutanese lunar calendar, usually falling in September. The day holds both spiritual and social significance, bringing together families, friends, and communities to honor Bhutanese culture, religion, and seasonal change.

According to Bhutanese belief, Blessed Raining Day marks the time when all natural waters in the country are sanctified. On this day, rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, and even rainfall itself are considered blessed with divine powers. It is said that bathing in these waters cleanses one’s body of impurities and washes away sins, misdeeds, and negativities accumulated over the past year. This spiritual purification is thought to prepare individuals for the new harvest season with renewed energy, positivity, and good fortune.

The origins of this festival are rooted in Buddhist cosmology. Scriptures describe it as the day when celestial beings bless the waters of the world. This divine act is associated with compassion and the wish for all sentient beings to be freed from suffering. By partaking in the ritual bath, Bhutanese people connect themselves to this blessing and align with spiritual renewal.

The celebrations begin early in the morning. Families wake before sunrise to take a ritual bath, often in rivers or by pouring water at home, symbolizing purification. Many also prepare and share special traditional meals. One of the most popular foods for Blessed Raining Day is thuep, a kind of porridge made with rice, butter, sugar, and sometimes meat or nuts. This dish is eaten together as a sign of harmony and prosperity.

Beyond religious rituals, Blessed Raining Day is also a time of joy, rest, and togetherness. Schools, offices, and institutions remain closed, allowing people to gather with family members. Children enjoy the holiday by playing traditional games, while elders reflect on the importance of the day and share wisdom. Farmers, in particular, see this time as auspicious since it coincides with the harvesting season, symbolizing abundance and gratitude.

Another unique aspect of Blessed Raining Day is the sense of equality it brings. The blessings of purified water are believed to reach every corner of the land, benefiting both the rich and the poor alike. It is a reminder that nature’s gifts and spiritual compassion are shared equally among all beings, reflecting Bhutan’s deep values of harmony, inclusiveness, and respect for life.

Today, Blessed Raining Day continues to hold a vital place in Bhutanese society. Despite modernization, people still observe it with reverence, blending traditional rituals with joyful social gatherings. It is a celebration that reinforces Bhutan’s unique identity as a country where spirituality and everyday life are deeply interconnected.


In essence, Blessed Raining Day is more than just a holiday; it is a spiritual reminder of purification, a cultural marker of unity, and a seasonal festival that ties people to the rhythms of nature. For the Bhutanese, it is a day of blessings, renewal, and joy — a beautiful reflection of the country’s values of peace and happiness.

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