The three day annual Punakha Dromche followed by annual Punakha Tshechu ended yesterday. Thousands of people including tourists came to offer prayers and receive blessings. Punakha Dromchoe and Tshechu is one of the most important event in the Dzongkhag. A Thongdrol of Kuenkhen Ngosar Tag Gay was unfurled for public veneration.
The Great Punakha Dromchoe
Punakha Dromchoe is a dramatic recreation of the scene from the 17th century battle with Tibetan army. The ‘pazaps’ or local militia men, dress in traditional battle gear and reenact the ancient battle scene. This reenactment harkens back to the time when in the absence of a standing army, men from the eight Tshogchens or great village blocks of Thimphu and Punakha came forward and managed to expel the invading forces from the country. Their victory ushered in a period of new-found internal peace and stability. The scene was followed by the demonstration of or immersion of relic into the Mochhu that was witnessed by hundreds of people.
Punakha Tshechu
Punakha Tshechu was introduced by the 70th Je Khenpo Trulku Jigme Choedra and the then Home Minister His Excellency Lyonpo Jigme Yoedzer Thinley in 2005. The Tshechu was introduced in response to the requests made by Punakha District Administration and local people to host a Tshechu in order to better preserve Buddhist teachings and keep alive the noble deeds of Zhabdrung Rimpoche.
Various mask dances and cultural programs were also performed during the event.
info@punakha.gov.bt
Hr Office:02584534