Laya Bumkhosa

One of the most important festivals in Laya is the Laya Bumkhosa, or Bongkor. It takes place on the 5th month of the Bhutanese lunar calendar (around June). Buddhist scriptures and the local texts are strapped to the backs of young men who join a long procession of religious leaders, monks, dancers and young girls. The procession goes around the perimeter of Laya stopping at households on the way. The purpose of the ritual is to prevent sickness, encourage good crops and protect the yak from predators such as bear and snow leopard. The third and fourth days of the Laya Bumkhosa are celebrated with a grand archery match between the two halves of Laya, the eastern and the western ends.