In the Himalayan valleys of Bhutan, farmers still begin the planting season by consulting an astrologer and performing prayers. Before seeds enter the soil, offerings are made to protective deities believed to be invisible custodians of the locality – the mountains, rivers and forests. In some villages, neighbours gather through a tradition of communal labour known as zhabtog woola to care for public spaces, while labour-exchange customs enable mutual help during planting and harvest. Food, homemade ara (a traditional Bhutanese alcoholic drink made from grain), stories ...

 

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