The reconstruction of the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong is heading towards completion this September. Except for the final touch-ups of the dzong’s interior part, its outer structure is already complete. According to the dzong reconstruction project officials, more than 97 % of the overall work has been completed so far.
The fifth and final installation of the Golden Pinnacle or the Sertog on the rooftop of the Wangdue Dzong was held on Saturday. This signified the completion of the external structure of the dzong.
At the moment, the works such as laying slabs on the surface of the last and the third courtyard, and flooring works inside the dzong are underway. However, the painting of the external structure of the dzong is nearing completion.
That aside, the altar fabrication works of Zhabdrung Tongku Lhakhang, housed inside the dzong are ongoing. Labourers are working round the clock to finish the work. Similar works for some other Lhakhangs inside the dzong are being done by the furniture houses, based in other districts.
The dzong has a total of 21 Lhakhangs, of which 13 have an altar each so far.
The dzong is equipped with water hydrant system and fire extinguishers. There is also a pedestrian walkway to circumambulate the dzong.
“We are just left with some finishing works inside the dzong such as sewerage, plumbing and courtyard pavement works. Likewise, we also have some painting works inside the dzong,” said Kinley Wangchuk, the Project Director of the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong Reconstruction Project.
A group called “Nangten Khodrup Detshen”, which handles the procurement of the dzong’s Nangtens or the sacred relics, said works are almost complete.
“We have completed almost 95 per cent of ‘Nangten’ procurement works so far. Some of the relics have been already installed in some Lhakhangs inside the dzong. Some others are kept in our stores today. So, we are ready to install them once other important religious items are installed in the Lhakhangs,” shared Lam Kinley Dorji, a member of the Nangten Khodrup Detshen.
He said about Nu 200 M has been spent on the purchase of the sacred relics so far. They are the same as those housed in the old dzong.
About 150 workers are engaged in the reconstruction of the historic edifice of the people of Sha Dha Gay.
It is being returned to its former glory and splendour. The Wangdue Rabdey is looking forward to conducting the annual Tshechu inside the new dzong this September.
The reconstruction of the dzong began in early 2014 after it was razed to the ground by a major fire disaster in June 2012.
Changa Dorji, Wangdue Phodrang
Edited by Pema Lhaden
