SARBHANG

Thousands of devotees gathered at the courtyard of the Tali Dratshang in Gelephu for the three day Sarpang tshechu which concludes today. Organizers are expecting the biggest crowds to gather today to witness the closing ceremony.

Government offices in the Dzongkhag remained closed from December 25 to 27 to celebrate the annual festival.

Well known mask dances that carry religious significance were performed besides the traditional Dzongkha dances at the courtyard of the Dratshang. Dzongkhag and dungkhag officials, and the residents here witnessed the festival.

The annual festival, which began in 1991 has been attracting more and more spectators, each year. It is a popular religious event for the people of the dzongkhag.

The reason for the growing crowds in the recent years has been attributed to the increased population in the dzongkhag after resettlement programme began in early 2000, according to elders.

Many people who have been resettled in the dzongkhag say they have not missed the annual festival since they settled in the dzongkhag. “I make it a point to come to witness this holy event every year,” Sherab, 54, said.

Crowds at the Tshechu not only consist of Buddhists populace but a good number of them are Lhotshampas of belonging to Hindu religion. A young resident of Gelephu, Suresh said that he enjoyed the festival. “I don’t differentiate between different religions,” he said.

The festival as usual, has created a short-term business for some residents. Rows of stalls mainly selling clothes and food items have sprung up in the vicinity.

By M B Subba in Sarpang in Bhutan Today

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