Some women, intending to contest for the post of gup from Thimphu and Punakha, fear a tradition called Pazap could hold them back from contesting.
Pazap is a practice performed during Punakha Dromche, where local leaders of Thimphu and Punakha, donning warrior’s costume have to horse race.
Many say a woman gup cannot be part of the tradition because up until not a single woman have been elected as gup from these two dzongkhags.
“We were told the gup will have to wear monk’s robe and receive Dhar from Je Khenpo, ride a horse and perform Pazap. This is why I am hesitant,” said a gup aspirant from Mewang Gewog in Thimphu, Karma Zangmo.
Another aspirant from Sisina in Thimphu, Choki said she is bit worried. “Some people say women cannot perform Pazap and that we are not capable of performing Pazap.”
A focal person from the Department of Culture under home ministry said it is not mandatory for all the gups to take part in Pazaps.
A former Pazaps performer, Natoe said there is nothing to worry about. “I represented a gup who couldn’t make it for the ritual.” He said the women aspirants also can follow his lead.
There are about four women contending for the post of gups in Thimphu and Punakha.
