The people of Chubu Gewog in Punakha are happy with the completion of the newly reconstructed Ngoe Droob Chhu Lhakhang in Punakha. The consecration ceremony of the new lhakhang was presided over by the Dorji Lopen of the Central Monastic Body yesterday.
Located at 2,500 meters above sea level, the new lhakhang lies on a hilltop overlooking the Phochu valley in one of the remote villages in the dzongkhag.
Although little is known about the history of the lhakhang, locals say it is over 400 years old.
“There are around 35 households near the lhakhang. However, hundreds of people across the country visit our lhakhang. We are extremely happy and thankful with the restoration of the lhakhang,” Damchoe Thinley, one of the locals, said.
The new structures of the Lhakhang such as walls, floors and roofs were renovated and reconstructed. The relics and the statues were kept as it is.
The gewog officials say lack of budget has delayed the reconstruction works
“The lhakhang was severely damaged in one of the earthquakes. After the reconstruction, we now have a stronger and bigger lhakhang. We are thankful for the support from the government,” Chubu Gup Sonam Tobgay said.
The reconstruction works took two years to complete. The new Lhakhang was constructed at the cost of over Nu 8 M, of which Nu 5 M was from the dzongkhag and rest from the contributions.
