Community Lhakhang plays an important role not only to bring people together but preserve the age-old culture and tradition, one of the pillars of Gross National Happiness. But with many leaving for towns, it is becoming difficult to look after the lhakhangs. Many communities in Paro surrendered their lhakhangs to the central monastic body and others are also planning to follow suit.
The recent Dzongkhag Tshogdu approved handing over of two lhakhangs from Dop-Shari and Doteng Gewogs to the central monastic body.
Firstly it will solve the issue of caretaker (koengyer), it is difficult to find one these days. Similarly, maintenance and its safety is also a concern. Community as a whole is not efficient while doing so. So if we surrender it to the Zhung Dratshang it will solve all these issues,” said Tshering Dorji, the Chairperson of the Paro Dzongkhag Tshogdu.
“More importantly, the lhakhangs sustainability is ensured with the ownership with Dratshang. Even if lams resign it will be immediately replaced. Therefore the community need not worry about its replacement. Similarly, there are annual and seasonal rituals to be conducted so it shouldn’t be a problem throughout,” added Chimi Dorji, the Doteng Gewog’s Mangmi.
It is also expected to streamline the management of the community lhakhangs.
“It is clearly reflected in the Local Government Act which states that lhakhangs, be it privately owned or community’s, if people want to give the ownership to any individual or institutes they must seek the Dzongkhag Tsohogdu’s approval. For example, first people must put up to gewog and Dratshang, and if agreed then the gewog tshogde must endorse it. It will be then put up to Dzongkhag Tshogdu. Only then, the dzongkhag culture office will finalise the handing taking,” the DT chairperson added.
But the Dzongkhag culture officer, Sangay Dorji said communities should equally take part in the tasks related to lhakhangs. There are more than a thousand community lhakhangs in the country.
Namgay Wangchuk, Paro
