The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Hundreds of people gathered when a Zhabdrung Dagnangma Thongdrel (giant appliqué scroll) was unfurled in Semthokha Dzong in Thimphu coinciding with the death anniversary of Zhabdrung yesterday.
The Thongdrel is believed to be the first one in the country out of many manifestations of the Zhabdrung. It was created with the support of sponsors and ex-students of the Institute of Language and Cultural Studies (ILCS) who were at the institute from 1961 to 2012.
According to Kunzang Dorji, a Community Secretary, the day is significant in the Buddhist calendar.
It is believed that the mere viewing of the unfurled Thongdrel will cleanse viewers of their sins, earn them merit, and misfortune awaiting them will be averted.
The Thongdrel which is 14 feet long and 16 feet wide is preserved at Semthokha Dzong and will be unfurled during every Zhabdrung Kuchoe( death anniversary of Zhabdrung ).
The works on the Thongdroel began last year with a budget of Nu 1.7 mn.
