Staff Reporter

The annual Paro tshechu this year will be a closed-door affair.

Dratshang Lhentshog’s secretary has written to all Lam Netens and principals of monastic schools across the country requesting them to restrict spectators or public gatherings during annual religious festivals.

To help control the spread of Covid-19 pandemic in the country, Dhuenmang Lhentshog, the highest decision making monastic body of Bhutan, decided to allow religious ceremonies related to annual tshechu and mask dances inside the dzong or lhakhang.

However, rabdeys and goendeys (religious institutions) are not allowed to perform Boechhams and culture programmes, which are normally performed at the courtyard of the dzong or lhakhang. Gathering of spectators will not be allowed.

The Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs has also issued a notification stating that any major event including tshechu and religious ceremonies for the year should be conducted inside the Rabdey to avoid public gathering.