The people of Shali village in Pema Gatshel’s Shumar Gewog celebrated the consecration of their newly renovated two-storey community, Lhakhang. The reconstruction began in 2020 and was completed in August this year, costing Nu 6 M. The new Lhakhang provides a spacious hall and better facilities for community rituals.
Shortage of space was a problem for the people while conducting community rituals as the old one-storey Lhakhang was small.
The new Lhakhang will provide a spacious hall and better facilities for conducting various rituals.
“It is very important to make the practice of Buddhism accessible, and having such a facility nearby is crucial. For the elderly villagers and those who are unable to travel far, this Lhakhang will serve as an important place of worship. It will also benefit the community during our annual Tshechu celebrations, where we perform mask dances and other events,” said Sonam Dendup, Shumar Gup.
“In the past, our old one-storey Lhakhang was very small. It was overcrowded, and there was not enough space. But now, with this two-storey Lhakhang, we can use the ground floor for other purposes and conduct ceremonies on the upper floor. It is much more comfortable and spacious,” said Lungten Wangmo, a resident of Shali, Shumar Gewog.
“It’s very different now compared to the past. The structure feels stable, and the use of metal posts ensures that it will withstand disasters like windstorms or earthquakes. We are very happy that it was built with such care and attention to detail,” said Cheku Yeshi, another resident.
The reconstruction of Shali Lhakhang began in 2020. However, the construction was delayed for over a year due to issues with the previous contractor. The project was eventually reassigned to a new contractor, and construction resumed.
“We were worried when our Lhakhang was demolished. Thankfully, we had a small structure nearby where we could conduct our monthly rituals. Without that, we would have had to perform the rituals in our homes, taking turns,” added Cheku Yeshi.
“We were concerned that our community, Lhakhang, would remain unfinished. But with the support of our gup and the district, we now have this beautiful Lhakhang, and we are very happy,” added Lungten Wangmo.
“Initially, the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the construction process. On top of that, the previous contractor was unable to complete the work. However, with the blessings of the people of Shali, we were able to continue the reconstruction, and we are extremely happy with the outcome,” added Sonam Dendup, Shumar Gup.
The newly renovated Lhakhang will benefit over 60 households, providing a place of worship and community gatherings for more than 500 people in the village.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Sonam Pem
