Lams play a vital role in local religious ceremonies, especially when someone in the village is ill or passes away. However, in some communities, people struggle to find a Lam during emergencies and must rush elsewhere for help. One such community is Daga Gewog’s Kamina-Wogyal Chiwog in Wangdue Phodrang. Residents say that although they have a community Lhakhang, they do not have a dedicated Lam to conduct important rituals and religious activities. The issue was raised during the recent Dzongkhag Tshogdu.
With more than ten households, Kamina-Wogyal Chiwog is one of the most remote areas in the gewog. The poor road conditions make it extremely difficult for the residents to find a way out of nearby places during emergencies.
During the Dzongkhag Tshogdu, Daga Gup proposed appointing a Lam from the Rabdey. This, the gup added, would also benefit neighbouring chiwogs in the gewog.
“We have one Lhakhang in the chiwog, and many religious activities need to be carried out there. However, in the absence of a Lam, our people have to request a Lam from Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, which is about 45 kilometres from the chiwog. Moreover, the road conditions are not very good, so our people face extreme challenges. Therefore, we brought up this issue in the Dzongkhag Tshogdu,” said Kinga Dorji, Daga Gup, Wangdue Phodrang.
However, an official from the Wangdue Phodrang Rabdey informed the house that they cannot deploy a Lam without approval from the Central Monastic Body.
He added that other chiwogs also face a shortage of Lams and the issue will be prioritised after further discussions in the meeting.
“We have a process of holding a meeting at Wangdue Dratshang, where all these issues will be discussed. A decision will be made during the meeting and then submitted to the Central Monastic Body. Approval will be granted only after the Central Monastic Body reviews and discusses the matter thoroughly,” said Phub Dorji, Secretary, Wangdue Phodrang Rabdey.
The Dzongkhag Tshogdu decided to submit a proposal to the Central Monastic Body through the Wangdue Phodrang Rabdey.
While the proposal offers hope, the chiwog may have to continue with the current situation until approval is granted.
Changa, Wangdue Phodrang
Edited by Sonam Pem
