The annual Punakha Domchoe concluded yesterday with the immersion of sacred relic popularly known as Norbu Chu Shag into the Mochhu. Hundreds of devotees witnessed the dramatic recreation of the scene from the 17th century battle with Tibetan invasion and introduced by Zhabdrung in 1646. The ‘Pazaps’ or local militia men, dress in traditional battle gear and reenact the ancient battle scene which harkens back to the time when in the absence of a standing army, men from the eight Tshogchens or great village blocks of Thimphu and Punakha came forward and managed to expel the invading forces from the country. The three-day annual Punakha Tshechu begins today.

 

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