The Choadpa festival in Zhemgang is seeing waning interest among the younger generation. The older population is, therefore, feeling the need to ensure its continuity by organising it annually. Dakphel under Nangkor Gewog performed the ritual this week.
The Choadpa practice sees farmers make offerings and prayers to local deities for any harm they may have caused towards any form of life while farming.
“This tradition has been followed since the time of our grandparents. We believe that performing Choadpa will cleanse us of all the negative karma accumulated while farming. We also believe observing this tradition will encourage our younger generation to continue with the practice,” said Thujay Wangchuk, of Dakphel village.
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The Choadpa ritual is held over three days and is unique to the Kheng region. It is mandatory for all villagers to contribute to the ritual. The main organisers are selected on a rotational basis, every year. The Choadpa was once the most popular annual festival for the people of Kheng, and people would even come from Bumthang and other dzongkhags to partake in the festivity. This year’s organiser, however, shares that there must be renewed efforts to preserve the tradition.
“Our younger generation is losing interest in this festival. We make an effort to organize the annual Choadpa festival to ensure its continuity,” Sonam Jamtsho, the Organiser of Dakphel village.
During the festival, everyone dresses in their best to witness mask dances, and indulge in merry-making bringing a year of back-breaking farm work to a close.
