A new Lhakhang is under construction for the people of Bartsham in Trashigang. Once complete, the Lhakhang is expected to solve the shortage of space while performing religious ceremonies in the old Chador Lhakhang.
The Lhakhang is being built near the old Chador Lhakhang. The Lhakhang is constructed to host religious ceremonies since the old Chador Lhakhang has limited space. Initially, the plan was to construct a two-storied Lhakhang, but now it has become a five-storied Lhakhang.
“There were around one thousand people to perform the annual religious ceremony and we could not accommodate them all. We had to pitch tents but that was expensive, as we had to do every year,” said Tshampa Sonam. He said Khentse Rinpoche suggested constructing a hall to conduct prayers.
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So far more than Nu.40 million has been spent for the construction. It is expected to cost an additional Nu.10 million for the painting and installation works of the Nangtens.
Tshampa Sonam said the Government granted then CGI sheets and timber as Kidu. “Lam Kunzang and Khentse Rinpoche have also been mobilising the fund for the Lhakhang. People in the gewog, including the business community have been helping us by contributing both cash and labor.”
Unlike other Lhakhangs, around 90 percent of the Lhakhang is made up of concrete. Except for the doors and windows, the Lhakhang is purely made up of concrete and steel. Even the pillars of the Lhakhang are carved out of cement. The Lhakhang is expected to be complete by the end of 2015. Once complete, the Lhakhang will be handed over to the people.
