𝐍𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐨𝐫 𝐆𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐠’𝐬 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐅𝐮𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐒𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝐚𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐝𝐡𝐚 𝐃𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐦𝐚

…𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝑬𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑺𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑫𝒓𝒐𝒍𝒎𝒂 𝑱𝒊𝒈𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒃𝒎𝒂 𝑩𝒖𝒎𝒕𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒌, 𝑺𝒉𝒐𝒘𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑼𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑫𝒆𝒗𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏

By Kezang Choden

In a display of community solidarity and devotion, the residents of Nangkor Gewog in Zhemgang Dzongkhag have made generous contributions to the Ngajur Pema Chopheling Monastery, which performed the annual Drolma Jigchobma Bumtshok presided over by Khandro Dorje Phagmo Rinpoche at the Buddha Dordenma Statue in Thimphu.
Leading the efforts are Nangkor Gup Singye Wangchuk, Mangmi Sonam, and the Tshogpas of Buli, Duenmang, Kamjong, Nyakhar, Tsheldang, Goling, Zhobling, and Tali Kikhar chiwogs. Together with local residents, they have shown their unwavering support by contributing vegetables, fruits, and rations to the monastery, ensuring that the nuns and devotees are well-provisioned during the sacred event.

In addition to the offerings of produce, government and private sector officials from the gewog collectively donated a sum of Nu 65,000 to further support the ceremony. This financial and material aid highlights the deep-rooted sense of unity and cooperation among the people of Nangkor Gewog. The contributions reflect the community’s long-standing tradition of coming together during important religious and cultural events. Residents regularly extend their support to each other and to religious institutions, fostering a spirit of mutual help and compassion that is central to their way of life.

Singye Wangchuk, the Gup of Nangkor Gewog, expressed pride in the Gewog’s contributions during this time, particularly in the form of fruits, vegetables, and other essential rations. He emphasized that the community felt fortunate to be in a position to provide much-needed support, especially when these resources are vital. “We are lucky enough to contribute something that is very necessary in these situations,” he said, acknowledging the overwhelming response from the residents. He said that many people were eager to step forward and offer what was available in the region, showcasing the spirit of generosity and unity within the community.

Nangkor Gewog is home to several sacred sites, including the revered Ngajur Pema Chopheling Monastery. As the leader of the Gewog, he took the initiative to mobilize the community’s efforts, recognizing the importance of supporting both spiritual and practical needs during challenging times. The Gewog’s contributions, he explained, were not only material but symbolic of the close-knit, supportive nature of the community in preserving their cultural and spiritual heritage.

Kinley Chogyel, the Tshogpa of Buli Chiwog, shared that his chiwog had contributed rice and Bhutanese beaten corn (seap) to local initiatives, emphasizing the unique specialties from the region. According to him, all the Tshogpas in the area coordinate efforts to gather these contributions, ensuring that every household is involved. Kinley said that the residents of Buli Chiwog are particularly religious and cooperative, which has made the process smooth and effective. “I am proud to see the unity among the people of our chiwog. Their willingness to contribute and participate speaks to our strong community spirit,” he said.

Though Buli Chiwog has faced challenges with vegetable production, he has stepped in to collect rice and Bhutanese beaten corn as an alternative contribution. He expressed his happiness in being able to work closely with the residents, adding that the collaborative efforts have fostered a sense of unity and purpose. “It’s fulfilling to work together for the well-being of our people, ensuring that we can still contribute meaningfully despite setbacks in crop yields,” he added.

Ugyen Wangdi, the Tshogpa of Duenmang Chiwog, shared that the community has actively gathered vegetables from both household gardens and the surrounding forests in preparation for a religious event. He noted that the residents, driven by a strong sense of community spirit, willingly participated in the initiative.

According to Ugyen, every household in the chiwog demonstrated remarkable generosity, with each member contributing in some form. “Although we are unable to contribute financially, we are making meaningful contributions through the provision of vegetables, fruits, and rations,” he said, highlighting the community’s efforts over six days. This collective effort not only brings out the residents’ commitment to the event but also reflects the deep-rooted culture of cooperation and support within Duenmang Chiwog.

Tashi Dorji, the Tshogpa of Goling Chiwog, has stated that his community has actively contributed rice, fruits, and vegetables to support the religious event that took place at Buddha Dordenma in Thimphu Dzongkhag. He emphasized that many residents have voluntarily come forward to offer their support for the six-day religious ceremony led by Khandro Dorje Phagmo Rinpoche. According to him, the contributions reflect the deep sense of devotion and community responsibility felt by the people. “This event is for the well-being of all living beings, and it is our duty to contribute in any way we can,” he said.

Tshogpa Tashi Dorji added that the ongoing ceremony has united the community in a spirit of liberality, with individuals offering their time and resources without any expectation of recognition. The religious event, which is being attended by a large number of devotees, seeks to promote peace and well-being for all sentient beings.

The six-day ceremony that begun on September 18, concluded on September 23, coinciding with the Thrue Bab (Blessed Rainy Day).