His Holiness the Je Khenpo arrived in Punakha from Lhuentse yesterday to observe Zhabdrung Kuchoe and the 400th anniversary of the establishment of the Central Monastic Body. The country observes Zhabdrung Kuchoe every year on the tenth day of the third Bhutanese month.
The Dorji Lopen of the Central Monastic Body along with over three hundred monks is presiding over a three-day preliminary ritual in Punakha.
Hundreds of devotees offered prayers at the Punakha Dzong today. The Dratshang unfurled Kunkhyen Pema Karpo Thongdrel yesterday and Guru Tshengye Thongdrel today at the Punakha Dzong for the devotees. Similarly, devotees also witnessed mask dances and sacred relics on display.
However, the public will not be allowed in the Dzong tomorrow.
The Dratshang will also unfurl the Zhabdrung Phuensum Tshopi Thongdrel tomorrow to pay homage to the death anniversary of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel.
“Our country is indebted to Zhabdrung Rimpoche for introducing the dual system of governance. Zhabdrung also unified the country and named it Palden Drukpa,” said Tsugla Lopen Karma Rangdrol.
Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel came to Bhutan in 1616. He established the first monastic school in Chari, Thimphu in 1621. Zhabdrung entered into meditation at the age of 58 at the Puna Dewai Chenpoi Phodrang in 1651.
Changa Dorji, Punakha
Edited by Sonam
