The Taste of Ara

No wonder people would think that I am lying when I say I was never drunk with Ara (a locally made wine) since I was brought up in the Eastern Part of Bhutan. But for me my conscience is clear that I did not drink Ara though I have brewed it a lot when I was helping my mom back at village. 

It was Saturday the 7th November; I along with two of my friends Sangay and Trashi went to visit Mr. Wang, an old friend of ours in Serbithang. I was happy because finally we could make a visit after having invited several times even before. It was 3pm, we drove and driving up hill towards Serbithang from Babesa was very exciting through the woods unlike in Town. We called him and finally made it there...few shake and hugs and we were driven inside the house. Mr. Wang introduced us to his beloved which he termed as his roommate that was sweet though. She got into the kitchen and made us warm sweet tea. Then Mr. Wang was so straight and said “let’s have Ara”, I just smiled and looked at Trashi and Sangay but their looks were not unusual. For me I said I don’t want to because I never have tasted Ara in my life, but they never listened. Moreover Mr. Wang's beloved, Mrs. Sonam said she would mix egg and dried beef along with Ara, make it hot and will serve us. Then I thought….hmm....that would be nice since it was very cold there. Then reluctantly I did not oppose their offering. There came Mrs. Sonam with a pot full of warm Ara, the aroma of which was so strong that I sensed it as if I had tasted it before. The cup was so big and mine was little bigger than my other two friends. When I found myself with that cup of Ara in front of me, I felt myself like an old man back in the village craving for it house to house and instantly realized the happiness that they would have got whey such warm and scented Ara was being offered to them.

I thought of taking that one cup but more and more are being poured in the moment I lowered the level. With the urge of tasting the meat and the egg which have sunk to the bottom of the cup, I sipped all. Then I could feel the warmth in my body, the reaction inside me aided by the heat from the rot heater and sound of television and my friends. I knew I was getting drunk. We had diner and I was bit alright then. So thought of coming back as our friend Sangay has got night duty. Mr. Wang again offered Ara but I refused right away but Sangay told lets have one more cup, OMG! I thought now I am dead. I refused but I could not refuse deadly so had to force myself with my eyes closed as there was no time to stare and drink. I knew I cannot stand and talk more, so before Ara could let me down I insisted Sangay and Trashi and they drove me home.   

It was a very exciting moment to think back the next day that I drank Ara. I thought I have picked up the tradition of drinking which in eastern Bhutan is considered normal (although now it’s vanishing). One way it’s good to uphold the tradition but on other hand you know the consequences. Whatever may be, do not drink, it is too bad. Alcohol is root cause of many sufferings.