During 17th century Bhutan was invaded several times by Tibetan forces seeking to seize a very precious relic, the Ranjung Kharsapani. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal led the Bhutanese to victory over the Tibetans and to commemorate the triumph he introduced the Punakha Drubchen.
The Punakha Drubchen is a unique festival because it hosts a dramatic recreation of the scene from the 17th century battle with Tibetan army. The 'pazaps' or local militia men dress in traditional battle gear and reenact the ancient battle scene. This reenactment harkens back to the time when in the absence of a standing army, men from the eight Tshogchens or great village blocks of Thimphu came forward and managed to expel the invading forces from the country. Their victory ushered in a period of new-found internal peace and stability.
In 2005 another festival known as Punakha Tshechu was introduced by the 70th Je Khenpo Trulku Jigme Choedra and the then Home Minister His Excellency Lyonpo Jigme Yoedzer Thinley. The Tshechu was introduced in response to the requests made by Punakha District Administration and local peopleto host a Tshechu in order to better preserve Buddhist teachings and keep alive the noble deeds of Zhabdrung Rimpoche.
These two festivals not only play an important role in preserving Bhutan's rich culture and traditions but also provide devout Buddhists with an opportunity for prayer and pilgrimage. They reflect the richness of the Bhutanese cultural heritage and are very special in the eyes and hearts of both Bhutanese and tourists who visit Bhutan.
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Kuzu-Zangpola! I started my career in 2009 right after I graduated with a weekly national newspaper called Business Bhutan. I worked for the paper for three years from 2009-2012 and was gradually promoted to the position of senior reporter. After completing the project, in 2013 I started my job at the erstwhile Tourism Council of Bhutan, which has now become the Department of Tourism, as a Communication Officer in the Marketing Department. In 2015 I moved to Australia and worked with Jupiter’s hotel and casino and Hilton hotel for two year. In 2017, I returned home and I have been managing the family business for the last five years as a General Manager for the hotel and import business, and the Head of Marketing for the travel business. In this capacity, I have been marketing Bhutan as a tourist destination through our Trophel Tours, managing our three star hotel Sonam Trophel and the highly popular Trophel Restaurant.