The Office of the Gyaltshab, Gyalpozhing organized a Fair Carnival for six Eastern Dzongkhags from 5th-9th February 2017 at Gyalpozhing, Mongar to commemorate the 1st Birth Anniversary of His Royal Highness Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck.
His Royal Highness Gyaltshab Jigme Dorji Wangchuck graced the event on 8th February 2017. HRH The Gyaltshab inspected the Fair exhibitions and business stalls. There were 156 stalls including 33 stalls by farmers of six Eastern Dzongkhags, 11 stalls by regional agencies, 26 restaurants and bars, 58 General Shops and 28 Open Space Games.
Thousands of people attended the fair over the five days. The gathering offered Zhabten to His Majesty The King and Zhabten to His Royal Highness The Gyalsey on 5th and 8th February 2017.
As part of the closing of the fair on 9th February 2017, His Eminence Lhalung Sungtrul Jigdral Kunzang Pema Dorji Rinpoche administered Chhana Dorje Wang (public blessing) to more than 7,000 people. Rinpoche also presided over the 3-day (5th-7th 2017) Annual Gyalpozhing Tshechu held as part of the fair and 5-day Chhana Dorje (Vajrapani) Suungchhog at Gadhen Chhoying Lhakhang, Gyalpozhing conducted as Kurim for Their Majesties and His Royal Highness The Gyalsey.
The Tshechu included sacred Mask Dances, Unique Traditional Songs, Dances and other Cultural items of six Eastern Dzongkhags and a variety of cultural programs by local people.
Henceforth the Tshechu, will be held coinciding with the Birth Anniversary of His Royal Highness The Gyalsey.
The fair included exhibition of Royal Portraits, agriculture farming technologies, live demonstration of Traditional Arts and Crafts by artisans of six Eastern Dzongkhags.
It also included sale of varieties of local arts and handicrafts, farm products, and other indigenous products and specialties of the six Eastern Dzongkhags.
There was live musical concert and entertainment by famous Bhutanese artists, boating at the Kurichhu Hydropower Plant (KHP)’s dam, movie screening, and other recreational activities.
A health camp was organized by by His Majesty’s Kidu Mobile Medical Unit.
The semi finals and grand Finale of the ongoing Mewang Gyalsey Archery Tournament 2017 was also held.
On 8th February 2017, HRH The Gyaltshab graced The Grand Finale of Mewang Gyalsey Archery Tournament 2017 which was organized by the Office of the Gyaltshab, Gyalpozhing, Mongar as part of commemoration of the 1st Birth of His Royal Highness Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck.
A total of 140 teams of archers from 20 Dzongkhags participated in the League Round of the tournament held in 11 Dzongkhags from 12th -21stJanuary 2017.
There were 15 rounds in the Grand Finale. Samtse Dzongkhag team took away the Winner’s Cash Prize of Nu. 3,00,000 and Trophy with one Chhana Dorje (Vajrapani) Statue each to the players.
On the sideline, His Royal Highness The Gyaltshab graced the Opening of the one-day Mewang Gyalsey Nachhung Athletics for under-12 year age students organized at Gyalpozhing in dedication to His Royal Highness The Gyalsey on His Royal Highness’ 1st Birth Anniversary. The students of six schools under Mongar Dzongkhag also offered their Pledges to His Royal Highness The Gyalsey in the presence of His Royal Highness The Gyaltshab.
The pledges offered by students were to read at least 15 books in the 2017 academic year, be respectful, be helpful and kind and always abide by rules and strive for the best.
HRH The Gyaltshab also granted Tokha to the gathering including Lam Netens and monks of six eastern Dzongkhags, Members of Parliament from six eastern Dzongkhags, Dzongdags and other Dzongkhag officials and Local Government Members of six Dzongkhags, armed forces, civil savants, businessmen, students, employees of regional agencies, participants and farmers from six eastern Dzongkhags, who were attending the tournament and the then ongoing Fair Carnival.
The programme ended with offering of Tshogchhang to His Royal Highness The Gyaltshab, and award of Prizes.