𝐆𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐠 𝐓𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐮 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐂𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐀𝐦𝐢𝐝 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

…𝑵𝒆𝒘 𝑮𝒖𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔 𝑺𝒆𝒆𝒌 𝒕𝒐 𝑹𝒆𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒆 𝑫𝒊𝒔𝒓𝒖𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝑬𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑾𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑪𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝑪𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔

By Kezang Choden

In a significant policy shift, the Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development (DCDD) has announced new regulations regarding local Tshechu holidays across the country. Gewogs are now permitted to declare a one-day holiday for their local Tshechus, while the holiday structure for Dzongkhag-level Tshechus remains unchanged. This directive aims to maintain cultural integrity while addressing concerns about excessive public holidays, which have been affecting the academic calendar and disrupting essential development activities.

The decision to limit Gewog Tshechu holidays to one day comes after widespread concerns over the growing number of local Tshechu holidays. This increase has led to delays in school syllabus completion and challenges in balancing national productivity with cultural and religious observances. DCDD emphasized that the new regulations are a step toward ensuring that Bhutan’s cultural heritage remains intact while educational and developmental progress is not compromised.

According to the new directive, Gewogs may organize local Tshechus, but they are strictly prohibited from introducing new Tshechus without prior approval. DCDD will review all proposals for new Tshechus, including plans for mask dances, local performances, and associated expenditures. This measure is intended to ensure that cultural practices are maintained with proper oversight and that resources are managed effectively.

Sangay Wangchuk, a Cultural Property Officer with the DCDD, explained the reasoning behind this decision. “The increase in Gewog-level Tshechus has resulted in an excess of holidays, which has affected both the academic calendar and developmental activities in the Gewogs. By limiting the holiday to one day, we are helping schools complete their syllabus on time and ensuring that ongoing projects are not disrupted,” he said.

Sangay Wangchuk clarified that the holiday structure for Dzongkhag-level Tshechus would remain unchanged. He emphasized that the recent changes were communicated in advance through a formal written notice and that the decision was met with general acceptance. “There has been no conflict or resistance to this directive so far, as it was clearly outlined in the initial announcement. Gewogs will still have the opportunity to celebrate their Tshechus, but within the limits we have set for the collective welfare of the community,” Sangay Wangchuk added.

The decision to reduce Gewog Tshechu holidays to one day was largely driven by the growing concern over delays in academic progress. Many schools have faced difficulties in completing their syllabus on time due to the frequency of local Tshechus, which disrupt the academic calendar. This concern has been echoed by educators and parents alike, who have struggled to strike a balance between religious obligations and academic responsibilities.

In response, DCDD has urged communities to cooperate with the new regulations and prioritize their children’s education. The department also highlighted the importance of balancing cultural observances with the need to maintain day-to-day responsibilities, particularly in the context of Bhutan’s educational and developmental goals.

Sangla, the Gup of Chhokhor Gewog under Bumthang Dzongkhag, noted that while the Gewog is strictly adhering to the new guidelines, some residents have expressed concerns over the reduced holiday period. Chhokhor Gewog celebrates four Tshechus annually, and many families have found it difficult to balance their participation in religious activities with their responsibilities toward their school-going children.

“Some residents feel conflicted because they are unable to dedicate enough time to their children’s education during the Tshechu period. However, I have consistently urged the community to follow the established rules, as they are designed for the overall welfare of the Gewog,” Sangla said. He acknowledged that while there may be some dissatisfaction, the community has recognized that these regulations are in place to maintain a balance between religious observances and daily responsibilities.

While many Gewogs have accepted the new regulations, there are concerns from certain quarters about the potential impact on Bhutan’s cultural heritage. Gup Kinley Gyeltshen of Gangtey Gewog in Wangdue Phodrang Dzongkhag expressed reservations about the reduction of holidays for his Gewog’s annual Tshechu. The Gangtey Tshechu, historically a five-day event, has been shortened in recent years, with the latest directive reducing the public holiday to just one day.

Gup Kinley Gyeltshen voiced concerns that the reduction in holidays could affect attendance at the Tshechu, which draws participants from across the country. “The Gangtey Tshechu is a unique cultural and religious event that attracts visitors from different Dzongkhags. With only one day of public holiday, many may find it difficult to travel and attend the event, especially if unforeseen circumstances arise,” he said.

Despite his concerns, Gup Kinley acknowledged the government’s decision and the importance of maintaining productivity. “I understand the need to ensure that essential work is completed on time. We will cooperate with the new regulations, but I hope further research is conducted on the long-term impact of reducing holidays on such significant cultural events,” he added.

Gup Kinley also emphasized the potential threat to preserving Bhutan’s rich cultural traditions if holiday reductions continue. “The tshechu is not just a celebration; it is a reflection of our spiritual beliefs and cultural identity. If we continue to reduce the time dedicated to such events, we risk endangering their survival,” he said.

As Bhutan continues to modernize, the challenge of balancing cultural preservation with national development has become increasingly evident. The recent directive on Tshechu holidays is an attempt by the government to address this challenge while ensuring that both cultural and developmental goals are met.

The Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development remains optimistic that these new regulations will help preserve Bhutan’s cultural heritage without compromising the country’s educational and developmental progress. As the implementation of these regulations continues, it is clear that careful attention will need to be paid to ensure that Bhutan’s cultural identity remains intact, even as the country moves forward in its development journey.

By striking a balance between tradition and progress, Bhutan can continue to honour its rich cultural heritage while ensuring that its people are equipped for the challenges of the future.