K2

MAIN STORY: Bhutan is known for its unique culture, its traditional arts and crafts. This all can be clearly seen in the ancient and modern structures, images and artefacts. This is testimony to a practice that have been gradually developed through centuries and passed down from generation to generation.

WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO: The Atsara figure is an integral part of many Bhutanese festivals. Being a primary agent of mirth and merriment, the red face comical character holding a phallus is generally thought of as a clown at the tshechu festivals.

HEALTH AND FITNESS: Dear Sir, I've recently joined a gym in Thimphu. I have been getting comments from people encouraging me to workout seriously because of my height and to participate in bodybuilding competition in the future. I'm a bit skeptical about this since a lot of focus and determination will be required. I can't seem to make up my mind. If sir could advise me it would be of great help.  Tshering, female Thimphu

MAIN STORY: It was in 2005 when Babesa saw a major facelift with the newly paved expressway, a 6.2km road starting from Lungtenzampa to Babesa.

RECIPE: Method:Melt chocolate and butter on a double boiler and keep aside to cool it down Whisk eggs and castor sugar at high speed till mixture becomes fluffy Add melted chocolate and butter mixture with eggs and sugar. Mix for 3 to 4 minutes at medium speed Sieve cocoa powder and refined flour together and add to the above mixture. Add nuts and mix at medium speed for three minutes...  

YOUTH IN FOCUS: Except for two or three subjects, my school marks were always excellent. But in the two of three subjects where I failed, they were horrible – an utter disgrace to a straight ‘A’ student like me. I have a doubt that this might be because I don't believe in religion and miracles.

MAIN STORY: Winter is now gone but the chill is there still in the air. Now comes the season with wind, dust and rain. It’s a weekday. The day is almost coming to an end. Office goers are winding up their work. School-going children are heading home. Cabbies wait for passengers.

HEALTH AND FITNESS: Dear Sir,  I'm a 20-year-old girl. I joined a gym in Thimphu recently. What are the biggest mistakes people make at the gym as they begin? How should I avoid the mistakes?  Dolkar

WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO:The Chokey term jinlab (བྱིན་རླབས་) refers to spiritual blessings. Literally, jin (བྱིན་) refers to power, magnificence or splendor, and lab (རླབས་) to waves and ripples.

MAIN STORY: Is your car becoming a liability? Is the unpredictable fuel price surprising your pocket? Or, maybe you're worried that your car is contributing to carbon emission.

RECIPE: Method: Heat olive oil in heavy bottom pan, sweat onions and add risotto rice. Stir for few seconds and deglaze with white wine Add sliced mushrooms, stir for one minute and add stock as needed. Add salt and pepper to taste Traditionally risotto is been cooked al dente ( to the tooth ) but you can cook as per your taste Add butter and cream and stir well. Finish with grated parmesan cheese. Serve hot.

YOUTH IN FOCUS: I graduated from class 12 last year but my result was not up to mark, and I let down many people. As there is little chance that I might get enrolled in colleges, my parents want me to repeat class 12. I have a second chance, but I am scared to take this step because I will have to do my best, and I wonder whether I have ever done that. I am scared that my marks won’t improve and I will again let down my parents after all the trouble they have taken.  I don’t want to take this opportunity with a tentative heart but want to feel confident about the step. I would be very grateful if lama could give me some advice. TW, Thimphu

MAIN STORY: Spring is here. One can notice the beginning of this beautiful season as trees, which were once barren and drab, are now enveloped with a layer of hopeful green. And with spring come other changes, particularly in the fashion industry.