After a night of weathering the bitterly cold winter, the sun’s bright rays over Changlimithang Stadium warmed icy limbs and gave exhausted individuals energy and warmth. The anticipation started early. in an attempt to reserve the finest seat in the stadium by 5 PM the day before. Families arrived ready, carrying bags full of food, blankets, and tea flasks. Steam vanished futilely into the night as a broken thermos poured priceless tea onto the icy ground. Food was difficult to digest and sleep was unattainable due to the unrelenting cold. Utchi, 78, gestured at her family’s packed lunch, which was now cold and uneaten. When the families of Pema’s mother and her friends headed out, they discovered that the line extended all the way to Memorial Chorten.
Steaming porridge was given twice, at 2 and 5 AM, to keep bodies warm and spirits high. Large-screen Bhutanese movies were shown, and musicians played music for hours. A stadium full of people fought the cold together, their commitment burning bright through the long, cold hours, despite their shivering bodies and unwavering spirits. Throughout the night, thousands of volunteers put in endless effort to control the throng and make sure the celebration ran well.
