For local leaders, festivals such as Tshechu are usually a time to offer prayers and witness it. But in Wangdue Phodrang, one Gup went a step further. Instead of just witnessing the annual Tshechu, he joined as one the mask dancers during the three-day Tshechu, which ended today.
The Wangdue Phodrang Tshechu drew thousands of spectators, as sacred mask dances filled the courtyard with colour and rhythm. These were performed for generations.
However, behind one of the masks was not a monk or trained performer. The black-masked dancer or Due Nak was Dangchhu Gup, Phub Dorji.
He volunteered to perform two mask dances.
“Since I have an immense interest in our unique intangible culture, I voluntarily took part in mask dance performances during the Tshechu in my Gewog. This is one of the reasons I participate in the Tshechu of Sha Daagay here. Secondly, the problem of manpower shortage is worsening every year. Therefore, I have voluntarily accepted the roles of Due-Nak and Acho in this annual Tshechu.”
With years of experience at the erstwhile Royal Academy of Performing Arts, the Gup needed no separate practice.
He had already performed similar dances in Thimphu.
“My actual responsibilities during the Tshechu are to attend the religious activities with other Gups, such as offering prayers and participating in the ceremonial processes. In these activities, I take part equally with others without fail. However, I have never practised the dance separately.”
At a time when festivals face shortages of performers, the Gup is showing that solutions come not just from policies, but from personal commitment.
His steps on the festival ground ensure that the performances continue, and the community celebrates without interruption.
Changa Dorji, Wangdue Phodrang
Edited by Tshering Zam
