It has been more than 20 years that a few men of Tsebar village in Pemagatshel tried their hands into learning a new craft- the craft of making Dung and Bjaling. Today about 40 households are into the business, which is booming and flourishing with demands ever increasing for the religious instruments. Tsebar village has been producing these items for over two decades now.
Our reporter, Kinzang Yeshi, who visited Tsebar recently says that the wooden chests in the altar rooms of many homes are filled with Dhungs and Bjalings, ready to be sold. They are also displayed for sale in some of the shops in Tsebar.
The demand is increasing and the sale is good according to the Dhung and Bjaling makers of Tsebar. Ugyen Penjor is one of the Dhung and Bjaling makers and is happy with what he makes the best.
“It has been very good taking up this profession, I don’t have to do farm work like others in the sun and the rain, since its related to spiritual work and may be because of that I am better-off,” says Ugyen Penjor.
In spite the fair business and good return they do face practical challenges. Ugyen Penjor said getting copper sheets, the main raw material for making the items, is sometimes a problem. They have to buy from across the border in India.
“In the past there were more restrictions and hassles at the gate to bring in the raw material. Now, it is bit relaxed but still it will be good if there are duty exemptions and also if the authorities explain to us since we don’t understand the rules,” he says.
A pair of Dung costs Nu. 8,000 and a Bjaling cost between Nu. 5,000 to Nu. 6,000. The Dhungchen or the big Dhungs used in the monasteries are sold for more than Nu. 100,000 a pair. With the farm road having reached their place some months back, the artisans are optimistic of an even better business.
