Some local festivals in the country are considered very significant and are not to be missed. One such festival is the Dungkhar Ugyen Choling Goenpa Tshechu in Pema Gatshel’s Khar Gewog. During the festival, a skull known as “Aa Thoe” marked with the letter Aa (ཨ) is displayed. Devotees gather to receive blessings from this sacred relic while due tsi is served from it.
The Dungkhar Goenpa located on a ridge in Khar village is a revered site. During the tshechu, tents are set up around the Lhakhang for devotees to receive blessings.
During the Guru Tshengay Chham, the sacred relic Aa Thoe is displayed, drawing crowds from distant villages.
“According to elders, people from Khar village believe that a special relic can grant their wishes. They pitch tents here, leaving their village to seek blessings from Aa Thoe. Similarly, I am here today to seek blessings and make my wishes come true,” said Sangay Chedup, a visitor from Denchi.
“This Aa Thoe was brought to this place by a great Lama a long time ago. We believe that receiving its blessing endures a sin-free journey to the afterlife. Despite difficulties, we come here for this blessing,” said Ugyen Dorji, a resident of Khar.
Although the Goenpa houses the sacred relic, its origin and history remain a mystery.
According to village elders, the relic was brought to their village by a Lama who collected religious items during his time at the Dungkhar Goenpa.
“It is believed that during Lama Pema Tashi’s time, many religious items such as Dorji Choepa, Norjam, and others were obtained. It is believed that the sacred Aa Thoe was brought here by him during that period. Some elders say it was another highly respected Lama but we are not certain,” said Lungten Chojay, also a resident of Khar.
The skull shows images such as the letter Aa (ཨ) on the front, the sun and moon at the back, and the wish-granting tree on its side.
It is displayed twice a year, on the 10th day of the 3rd month at Dungkhar Goenpa and on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Bhutanese calendar at Khar Community Lhakhang.
The goenpa, believed to be more than 450 years old was founded by Yab Tenpai Nima.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Sonam Pem
