12/23/2025
Notice: Bhutanese Community Friends and Families:
NOTICE
This announcement is issued to all members of the Bhutanese community residing in Scranton regarding the observance of death rituals and related community practices.
Our community has a long‑standing tradition of gathering and playing cards during the mourning period of a family member or relative. This practice is rooted in cultural meaning: it allows relatives and friends to remain awake through the night, provide emotional support, offer companionship, and help maintain a vigil that honors the soul’s peaceful transition.
However, it has become important to reflect on how this tradition is being carried out in our current living environment. Large gatherings late into the night may unintentionally create noise, parking difficulties, and disturbances within the neighborhood. Such situations can add stress to the grieving family, who are already managing significant emotional and practical responsibilities.
This announcement is not intended to diminish the cultural value of our tradition. Rather, it is a reminder to observe these practices with mindfulness and respect. Let us uphold our customs in a manner that preserves their true purpose while also ensuring the peace, privacy, and comfort of the mourning family and the surrounding community.
Your cooperation in maintaining dignity, harmony, and mutual respect within our community is sincerely appreciated.
What can be the alternative for this?
Structured Visiting Hours Instead of Overnight Crowds.
Brief visit in small group but not too late at night.
Being mindful of the neighborhood environment/surrounding and avoiding prolonged gathering.
Quiet Vigil Instead of Card Playing.
Reciting prayers or mantras softly
Reading religious texts
Support group or volunteering,
This keeps the vigil tradition alive without noise.
We hope these alternatives will ensure that the family continues to receive meaningful support while keeping the home calm, manageable, and peace in the neighborhood.
I hope everyone will recognize that these concerns are serious and may lead to difficulties if we do not address them proactively. Since there are no formal rules or policies governing these matters, maintaining harmony relies on our collective understanding, mutual respect, and individual self‑awareness. If each of us practice mindfulness and consideration, these issues can be resolved easily. This notice serves simply as a reminder to all community friends and families; how you choose to consider, it is entirely up to you.
THANK YOU