The Gelephu Tshechu in Sarpang drew a huge crowd of devotees from neighbouring gewogs and districts this time. Although the festival usually draws a decent number of people, this time the courtyard was jam-packed with spectators. Many attributed the turnout to visitors from across the country exploring land investment opportunities at the Gelephu Mindfulness City and officials attending seminars and workshops. The festival concluded today.
The unfurling of the Guru Tshengye Thongdrel to the public marked the end of the three-day annual tshechu. The Gelephu Tshechu was initiated in 1995.
Making the most of the festive atmosphere, people set up food stalls and shops, creating a lively and bustling environment.
The rabdey would usually accommodate two to three thousand spectators comfortably but it was a different experience this year according to regulars.
“After the pandemic, the people have been hesitant to attend large gatherings. However, with His Majesty’s vision of establishing a new city for the future generation, people from all across the country have been taking an interest in exploring the town. This year’s tshechu has seen an increase in the number by at least five per cent compared to the past years and we hope to see the same spirit in the future,” said Dawa, a spectator.
“Since the day His Majesty The King expressed his vision of establishing the Gelephu Mindfulness City, we have been really happy with the news. Moreover, people have taken an interest in buying land in the vicinity as they feel it will be a good investment in the future. For this reason, people from all parts of the country who have been coming to the town have shown up to witness the tshechu as well,” said Chhimi, also a spectator.
The Sarpang Dratshang’s Secretary said the space crunch would be resolved once the Sarpang Rabdey is relocated to Sarpang Dzong at Sarpang Tar, currently under construction. Construction of the dzong initiated in 2017, faced a one-year delay due to the pandemic.
“Starting next year, we hope to conduct the annual tshechu at the Sarpang Dzong which is under construction. The work is nearly complete with 90 per cent of the work finished. We have a separate tendrelthang at the dzong which can accommodate over a thousand people,” said Tshewang Gyamtsho, secretary of Sarpang Rabdey.
Once complete, the Saprang Dzong will house the district rabdey and serve as the administrative hub for the Gelephu Mindfulness City. It is expected to be completed this year.
Karma Wangdi, Gelephu
Edited by Sonam Pem
