18. Aulay
Voice: Damchoe of Tongra villageOn the 15th day of the 9th month of the Bhutanese lunar calendar (around October) the community holds a special festival called Aulay. It is held principally for the health and protection of the yak herds. This song (only part of it on the CD) is the central song that accompanies the Aulay rituals. Much of the song tells about the history of Laya and gives some clues about the significance of the women’s jewellery, clothing and their very distinctive hat.