Hundreds of devotees gathered at the Palden Tashi Chholing Shedra as the final day of the annual Phuentshogling Tshechu ended today. The highlight of the three-day festival was the new Guru Thongdrel, which drew an overwhelming number of spectators eager to receive blessings.
The newly crafted Guru Thongdrel and vibrant mask dances and cultural performances marked the final day of the festival.
The turnout was so overwhelming that the Thongdrel’s display time had to be extended to allow everyone gathered to receive blessings.
A private individual, who is also credited with the construction of the Lhakhang sponsored the intricate Thongdrel, valued at Nu 3.7 M.
“The number of people keeps increasing every year. This year too, the turnout was huge and one of the reasons is the new Thongdrel sponsored by businessman Dophu,” said Uttar Kumar Rai, Phuentshogling Thrompon.
“I think it is the thongdrel that attracted more people. We are very happy to have the new thongdrel here,” said Sanga, a spectator.
“I come every year to witness the tsechu and I have seen more people this year. This year, we could get a blessing from the new thongdrel and I feel all others came here for this very reason,” said Rinchen Wangchuk, another spectator.
The Phuentshogling Tshechu was instituted in 2014. The festival which initially began as a one-day event was extended to three days from last year. According to the Phuentshogling Thromde and Dungkhag officials, one day was not enough to showcase all the programmes.
Kinley Dem, Phuentshogling
Edited by Sonam Pem
