In the spirit of Lungta and the Lungta Art Festival, VAST Bhutan and friends have been on a meaningful journey—collecting old, soiled, and unattended prayer flags from Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, and from the mountains of laya. We often look like a very very big extended family on a picnic.
As we reach the locations, we wonder, how do we get the old ones from the trees high up. We are creative people, so we find ways. We carefully gather these weathered and soiled flags, the process becomes one of self-reflection. As we find ways to reach flags on the other side, balancing our steps, walking through thorny plants, shouting at each other to be careful. Then we are also wondering how people managed to climb trees so high. With curiosity driving us, we also found the ticks to do that. You can see Dorji showing us the stone tied to a strong polyester thread. In all that, each intentionally or unintentionally paused and asked: What can I do? How can I contribute? How can I be better? The act of collecting is not merely physical work—it is a quiet acknowledgement that transformation begins within. Through this shared effort, we deepen our understanding of Lungta, recognizing that raising the lungta is also about raising our own awareness and intention.
This ongoing activity is both an environmental effort and a contemplative practice, rooted in respect for our sacred traditions and responsibility toward our natural surroundings.
With every flag collected, we offer a prayer:
May our actions benefit all beings. May our aspirations serve the well-being of the environment and our communities. May this simple act of care ripple outward in unseen yet meaningful ways. This ongoing collection of old and soiled prayer flags marks an important step in the Lungta Art Festival’s journey—honouring tradition while embracing responsibility, and transforming reflection into collective action.
