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Khar: A Game of Riddles

Khar is an oral tradition of Bhutan that involves the game of riddles. This tradition is popular among the Bhutanese and is often played during social gatherings, festivals, and other celebrations. Khar is a fun and engaging game that challenges the mind and stimulates creative thinking. In this article, we will explore the game of Khar and some examples of riddles.

The game of Khar involves two or more players. One player is chosen as the riddle master, and they come up with a riddle that the other players have to solve. The riddle master begins by reciting a verse that provides clues to the answer. The other players listen carefully and try to guess the answer. The first player to guess the correct answer becomes the next riddle master.

Khar is a game that has been passed down from generation to generation. It is an integral part of Bhutanese culture and is often played during special occasions. The game is not only fun, but it also promotes teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking. Here are some examples of riddles from the game of Khar:

  1. Nga ku meg pa chop chop….Mi ringku la thag gey pey log thag la thag gyen ney zi lo ya?: Dar cho shing. (When the tail is cut off, the head is still there. What is it?: A map.)

  2. Nga ku meg pa chop chop….Yig peye ri sum tsi kha phab peye jamtsho ting nga zi lo ya?: Sho sho ma. (When lifted is at the tip of the ri sum (three mountains) but when lowered is at bottom of the ocean. What is it?: Churning stick.)

  3. Pako tsa lo nang ka bitang temken cho wa hang?: Solo. (A red pocket filled with coins. What is it?: Chilli.)

  4. Lung thunka shing lik pa shing thungka lung ligpa lung thungka shing shing thung ka soo lik pa hang?: Rnag thang. (On stone a tree is grown, on the tree a stone, on the stone a tree and on the tree a bamboo. What is it?: Grinding stone.)

  5. Ma rey ma rey zer the rey mi rey rey zer the mi rey ga chi mo?: Kha. (When said don’t touch don’t touch it touches and when said touch touch it does not touch. What is it?: Mouth.)

Khar is a game that is enjoyed by people of all ages in Bhutan. It is an excellent way to pass the time, have fun, and challenge the mind. The game of Khar is a unique aspect of Bhutanese culture, and it continues to be an integral part of the country's traditions.


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