The three-day annual Punakha Domche ended today with Nob Chu Shag Ni or the symbolic immersion of one of Bhutan’s most sacred relics, Rangjung Kharsa Pani, into the Mochhu. It was presided over by venerable Dorji Lopen of the Zhung Dratshang.
The Punakha Domche is dedicated to the Country’s guardian deities, Mahakala and Palden Lhamo.
It also commemorates Zhambdrung Ngawang Namgyel’s victory over the Tibetan invasion. The highlight of the festival is the re-enactment of a 17th-century battle scene in which the Tibetan armies invade Bhutan to seize the sacred relic, Rangjung Kharsarpani.
Zhabdrung is believed to have outwitted the Tibetans by pretending to throw the relic, the self-created image of Chenrezig into the Mochhu, leading to Tibetan armies’ withdrawal.
Thousands of people including tourists are gathered to Punakha Dzong to witness the festival.
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