In Pema Gatshel, the week-long Yongla Goenpa Phurpai Drupchhen ended today. Hundreds of devotees from Pema Gatshel and nearby districts gathered in the Goenpa courtyard as early as four in the morning. The Phurpai Drupchhen began in the 18th century as a powerful spiritual ritual to strengthen Bhutan’s sovereignty against external threats from the South.
Yongla Goenpa is one of the most revered monasteries in the eastern region.
Founded in the 18th century by Kheydrup Jigme Kuendrel, the Goenpa is a significant spiritual site for the people of the eastern districts.
“In the past, there were invasions from the north and conflicts in the south. The wars in the south were ended only when Lam Jigme Kuendrel was called to conduct a Drupchhen here. Since then, the Phurpai Drupchhen has become an annual event,” said Ngawang Sithub, Lam Neten of Pema Gatshel Rabdey.
According to records, the Goenpa was further developed in 1968 by Lam Sonam Zangpo, who oversaw the construction of sacred relics and chortens.
A thriving monastic community was established the following year, and the annual Phurpai Drupchhen, masked dances, and other rituals were reinstated.
According to elders attending the Drupchhen, this week-long festival is not merely a local event.
“Our grandparents told us that if the Phurpai Drupchhen is conducted at Rigsum Goenpa in the upper east and at Yongla in the lower east, it is believed that wars and conflicts will be reduced. We also experienced the sacredness of the Drupchhen during the 2003 war, which brought peace and tranquillity to the country,” said Dorji Gyeltshen, Ngorkhi, Zobel Gewog.
On the final day today, the Lam Neten of Pema Gatshel Rabdey presided over the Phurpai Wang.
Devotees also received blessings from the sacred relics of Phurpa.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Sherub Dorji
