Sustaining a culture that forms the backbone of a nation’s heritage is not easy at a time when modernisation and Western influences often overshadow smaller traditions. Age-old customs struggle to compete for the attention of young people. Yet in Punakha, efforts to preserve pazaap tradition continue. At the annual Dromchhoe, local leaders and senior pazaps are deliberately involving the youth to ensure the practice endures.
Every year, nine gewogs from Punakha and Thimphu select 18 pazaps to represent the warriors at the Punakha Dromchhoe. Clad in traditional attire, they reenact the victory over Tibetan forces during the time of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in the 17th century.
In the past, only men who were physically strong, commanding in presence and capable of reciting the zhay were chosen. There were even times when each household had to provide a man to fill the ranks.
Today, the approach has shifted. Rather than compelling participation, local leaders are encouraging young boys to step forward, hoping that early involvement will help carry the tradition into the future.
“Allowing young people to take part in the Punakha Dromchoe, rather than limiting participation to elders, will help encourage and motivate the youth of Wang Tshogchen Gye in the future. This is how I and all the gups feel,” said Punakha Dzongkhag Tshogdu Chairperson Sonam Dorji.
Nine-year-old Tshering Samdrup from Kabisa Gewog is the youngest pazap at this year’s Punakha Dromchhoe. For as long as he can remember, he has been captivated by the warriors, their commanding presence, their costumes and the way they move with purpose.
This year, he finally stepped into their ranks.
He wrapped himself in the warrior gho, pulled on the boots, placed the hat firmly on his head and gripped a sword in his hand. With his seniors by his side, he performed at the Gora, swinging the blade through the air and moving as though heading into battle.
The moment was hard-earned. In the weeks leading up to the festival, he trained under senior pazaps, practising late into the night to perfect each step and gesture.
For Tshering Samdrup, the experience has shown that with commitment and determination, even the youngest can take their place in tradition.
He said, “I enjoyed taking part in the Pazap performance. This time, I volunteered to join and did not feel nervous around the seniors and elder Pazaps. I plan to participate again next year.”
Fourteen-year-old Tandin Wangchuk, representing Maedwang Gewog in Thimphu, also joined voluntarily. He describes the experience as a valuable lesson and says interacting with senior pazaps strengthened his confidence.
Tandin Wangchuk said, “As there was a shortage of Pazaps, I decided to join the programme on my own, without consulting my parents. I thoroughly enjoyed taking part and interacting with the senior and elder Pazaps. I will continue to participate in the coming years, once I obtain leave from school.”
This year, of the 160 pazaps from Wang Tshochen Gye and Lingmukha Gewog, nearly half were youth. Many say the responsibility of carrying the tradition forward rests with them.
“I am beginning to prepare myself from today to help preserve our culture. This is my second year participating in the Pazap programme. I believe it depends on our mindset — when we participate actively, the experience becomes enjoyable as we learn new songs. Most importantly, we feel a sense of pride when we exit through the main entrance carrying the Tsendhar,” said Kinley Wangchuk, a pazap from Barp Gewog.
Another pazap Dophu “Seeing young Pazaps training under the guidance of senior Pazaps gives me confidence that they will take up the role in the future and pass on their knowledge to the next generation, even in our absence. I have full trust in them.”
Still, some elders remain concerned.
68-year-old Zhepeon Kinley, who can recite the entire zhey from memory, worries that few young pazaps are coming forward to learn the full lyrics and take on his role in future.
Kinley said, “This heritage should not be discarded. Even as new cultures emerge alongside development, Pazap culture remains important, as it was inspired by the vision of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Rather than abandoning it, we should continue to promote and preserve it. The younger generation must reflect on its value and significance.”
The three-day Punakha Dromchoe concluded yesterday, and crowds slowly dispersed from the dzong, carrying with them memories of the past and a quiet hope that the next generation will carry the tradition forward.
Changa Dorji, Punakha
Edited by Sangay Chezom
