November 26: His Majesty the King visited the Gangtey Sanga-Chhoeling Lhakhang in Gangtey on Monday. At the lhakhang, His Majesty offered prayers and butter lamps for the peace and prosperity of the nation and wellbeing of the people.

Along the way to Gangtey Sanga-Chhoeling Lhakhang, people of Gangtey, Phobjikha and Bjena geogs waited along the road burning aromatic herbs and incense sticks for His Majesty’s arrival.

Upon arrival at the Gangtey Sanga-Chhoeling Lhakhang, His Majesty the King was received by the Gangtey Truelku Kuenzang Rigzin Pema Namgyal. As His Majesty was ushered into the courtyard of the Lhakhang in a traditional chipdrel procession, monks of the Gangtey Shedra performed Serda.

At the courtyard of the Lhakhang, the dance of Jaypei paw was performed. This was followed by marching ceremony.

Inside the Lhakhang, His Majesty offered prayers and butter lamps for the peace and prosperity of the country and wellbeing of the people. His Majesty then attended a prayer ceremony performed by the monks of the Gangtey Shedra.

The Gangtey Truelku and monks of Gangtey Shedra offered Kusung Thug Ki Mendrel to His Majesty the King.

Following this, His Majesty interacted with the people from Gangtey, Phobjikha and Bjena geogs who gathered at the courtyard of the lhkahang to offer thridhar to His Majesty. Coronation commemorative coins and badges were distributed to the gathering.

BBS spoke to some of the people. They said they are happy to have been able to meet His Majesty and offer thridar. Some said they are happy that Gangtey is the first place His Majesty visited after the coronation ceremony.

Also at the courtyard, a Guru Samba Lhendrup Thongdroel was unfurled for public veneration. The newly-constructed thongdrel was built at an estimated cost of over Nu. two million. People and students of Gangtey and Phobjikha villages presented a cultural programme. His Majesty also joined the people and the students in the cultural programme.

The 300-year-old Gangtey Sanga-Chhoeling Lhakhang was consecrated last month. His Majesty the 4th Druk Gyalpo graced the Tashi Rabney ceremony at Gangtey Lhakhang.

The Gangtey Goenba Lhakhang was built by the 1st Gangtey Truelku, Gyalsey Pema Thinley. He was the grandson and reincarnation of Terton Pema Lingpa. The Lhakhang is the most important seat of the Peling tradition in western Bhutan.