The Daga Rabdhey during the recent Dagana Dzongkhag Tshogdu proposed to postpone the timing of Dagana Tshechu. The Dagana Lam Neten said the Tshechu is held during winter when the weather is harsh, making it difficult for both mask dancers and spectators. However, the local leaders deferred the proposal to be discussed in the next Dzongkhag Tshogdu.
The five-day Dagana Tshechu is conducted in the 11th month of the Bhutanese calendar every year.
Lam Neten Kuenzang Tobgay said the number of spectators has decreased over the years due to cold weather and closure of schools during the Tshechu.
“I could not find how and who instituted the Tshechu. Mask dancers and everyone involved are sharing inconveniences. Due to its sacred nature, some performances start as early as 1-2 AM and I heard that hardly anyone comes to offer prayers and witness it.”
Mani Kumar Ghishing, Gesarling Gup said, “Some elderly people believe that there will be heavy rainfall and hailstorm if the annual Dagana Tshechu is preponed. I feel this is just a belief. But with time, we should find ways to make it convenient.”
The Daga Rabdhey has proposed to host the Tshechu in the second month of the Bhutanese calendar coinciding with Paro Tshechu.
The Lam Neten said, “I have cross-checked the annual Tshechus of all 20 districts. Dagana and Paro Tshechus share some similarities in terms of mask dances. Moreover, in the past, the leaders of the two districts also enjoyed good relations. We also conduct a Tshechu called Prew Chothpa in the second month of the Bhutanese calendar, and I think that the Dagana Tshechu was held in the second month of the Bhutanese calendar in the past.”
The house, however, decided to discuss the matter in the next Dzongkhag Tshogdu after public consultations.
Local leaders said the decline in spectators could be due to the introduction of Tshechus in Dagapela and Lhamoi Dzingkha in recent years.
They added that the Rabdhey and the district administration should provide better facilities at the Tshechu ground to attract more spectators.
Khebisa Mangmi Sonam Tobgay said, “We will consult them regarding the Daga Rabdhey’s proposal and seek their feedback.”
Tseza Gup Samten Jamtsho said, “It is not advisable to make changes in religion and culture. There are five local deities in Dagana. In the past, there was a proposal to reduce the Tshechu days saying five days is too much.”
Dagana Dzongda Tashi Tobgay said, “To encourage participation, we provided transportation services. Despite these efforts, not many came to witness the Tshechu. This may be because the schools are closed during that time. During other religious events, we see students actively coming to receive blessings in huge numbers.”
Dagana currently has around 40,000 people in its 14 gewogs.
The decision on whether to postpone the Tshechu will depend on public feedback.
Pema Tshewang, Dagana
Edited by Tshering Zam
