First Zhabdrung Dagnangma
Thongdrel unveiled

Hundreds of people
g a t h e r e d w h e n
a Z h a b d r u n g
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.