In Bhutan, the sight of colourful prayer flags is very common.
Prayer flags are hoisted for happiness, long life, prosperity, luck and merit.
The colours used in the prayer flags follow the concept of ‘Kham’ which are the five characteristic birth elements that determine an individual’s dominant personality. A Buddhist Monk, who is a friend of Sita, will accompany you to a shop that sells prayer flags. You will get an insight to and an interpretation of your birth element in the Bhutanese way. You will then buy a prayer flag with the colours corresponding to your birth element and head out to a designated place in Thimphu, where you will hoist the prayer flag. The Monk will chant the consecration prayers, once you finish the hoisting of your prayer flag.
Next time you are in Bhutan hoist one of your own and enjoy this meditative experience.
