Hundreds of people have gathered at the Laxmi Narayan temple in Lhayul Chiwog under Chhudzom Gewog for the Shrimadh Bhagwat Maha Puran or the Moenlam Chenmo. The prayer ceremony is being performed after four years.
The seven-day puja started yesterday. It is being performed for the well-being of His Majesty the King, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, and for peace and prosperity in the Country.
According to organisers locals find it difficult to organise the puja themselves as it involves a lot of expenses and cannot be managed without sponsors.
“With changing times, it would be wonderful if we could perform the puja annually. The puja cannot be organized by a one person alone and requires joint effort,” said Ram Chandra Subedi, one of the devotees.
The prayer ceremony, this year, has been organised with generous donations from the people of five Chiwogs under Chhudzom Gewog. Initiated by the Laxmi Narayan temple committee, devotees are provided at least one free meal a day.
“People have donated what they can from every Chiwog. We are trying to serve, if not three meals, at least one meal a day. We derive some satisfaction by contributing to this prayer ceremony and doing something for society,” said one of the organisers, Bala Ram Biswa.
The foreign minister, Rinzin Dorje, was the guest of honour at the ceremony. “On a day like this we become one. Hinduism and Buddhism are two religions recognised in the country. These two are not so different from each other, in fact Buddhism is derived from Hinduism so it’s like milk and water.
“We not only have to act but also think alike and live in harmony like a family so that there will be peace in the country and the world,” said the minister.
The prayer ceremony performed by four eminent pundits will conclude on December 30. Chhudzom Gewog has more than 4,000 people.
