His Holiness the Je Khenpo is presiding over a week-long prayer ceremony to observe Zhabdrung Kuchoe along with Gyeshey Gendun Rinchen Kuchoe and Lam Sonam Zangpo Kuchoe, starting today at the Namdruling Goenzin Dratshang in Autsho, Lhuentse. Zhabdrung Kuchoe is the death anniversary of the of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. Gyeshey Gendun Rinchen and Lam Sonam Zangpo were considered as the root teachers of His Holiness the Je Khenpo.
Every year, the 10th day of the 3rd month of the Bhutanese calendar is declared as a government holiday to pay homage to Zhabddrung Ngawang Namgyel, who attained parinirvana in 1651. He came to Bhutan in 1616 and is accredited for institutionalising a distinct Bhutanese identity, unique from its neighbouring countries. Zhabdrung also established the dual system of the government.
Meanwhile, His Holiness is also presiding over a week-long ritual to prevent disasters in the country. 150 monks from the Dratshang are also accompanying His Holiness in performing the ritual.
Sonam Tshering
