𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐨 𝐆𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐠 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐞𝐛 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬

…𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒆𝒇𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒔 𝒌𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒖𝒂𝒍 𝑻𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒄𝒉𝒖 𝒇𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒂𝒍

By Kezang Choden

The youth of Talo Gewog continue to uphold the practice of Choeb, a traditional regional song accompanied by dance. This cultural heritage is prominently showcased at the beginning of the Tshechu (annual religious event) festival. The Tshechu, initiated by Zhabdrung Jigme Chogyal, remains a vibrant tradition preserved by the residents of Talo Gewog. The festival sees remarkable participation from local youth, eager to learn and perform Choeb, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining and celebrating their cultural heritage.

Lhamo, a 48-year-old resident of Talo Gewog, shared that Choeb is learned from parents and passed down through generations. “We must adhere to the traditional style of Choeb, as it is blessed by Zhabdrung Jigme Chogyal and imbued with profound meaning,” she emphasized. The community diligently preserves this cultural heritage, with all residents paying close attention to the Choeb. “The Talo Tshechu is held annually for three days in the second month of the Bhutanese calendar, showcasing these traditional performances. There is widespread interest in learning and performing the Choeb during the Tshechu. However, some aspiring dancers are unable to participate due to the high number of performers,” she shared.

Lhamo continued to explain the importance of this tradition, noting that it is not just a performance but a way of life for the people of Talo Gewog. The Choeb is a symbol of their identity and a reflection of their rich cultural heritage. By maintaining this practice, they honor their ancestors and ensure that future generations understand and appreciate their roots.

Residents from various dzongkhags are increasingly showing interest in learning about the Choeb. Many are eager to gain knowledge and receive blessings from Zhabdrung Jigme Chogyal. Lhamo said, “I have been to the Royal Academy of Performing Arts (RAPA) in Thimphu Dzongkhag for 10 days and spent a month in Taktse Gewog under Trongsa Dzongkhag to teach Talo Choeb.” This growing interest highlights the cultural significance of Choeb and its potential to connect people from different regions.

The Choeb is not just a dance; it is a conduit for cultural exchange and mutual respect among various communities. By sharing their knowledge and skills, practitioners like Lhamo help to foster a sense of unity and appreciation for Bhutan’s diverse cultural landscape.

At 56, Kinzang Om reflects on her long and dedicated involvement in performing the Talo Choeb. Since she was 18, Kinzang has been a devoted participant, contributing 30 years of performances and leading her group for 16 of those years. “It’s encouraging to see so many school-going children showing interest in mastering the Choeb, even though it is quite challenging to learn,” she said. After dedicating decades to the Talo Choeb, she retired from the group six years ago to provide leadership opportunities to others. She remains committed to preserving the cultural heritage of Talo by teaching the youth.

Kinzang explained that learning the Choeb involves more than just mastering the steps and tunes. It requires an understanding of its historical context and spiritual significance. She noted that the process of teaching and learning Choeb builds strong intergenerational bonds and reinforces the values of discipline and respect within the community.

Pem Zam, a 26-year-old from Talo Gewog, has become a vital part of her community’s cultural heritage. She mastered the intricate tunes and steps of traditional dances, all learned from the elders in her community. Since joining the performance of Talo Choeb in 2016, she has been an active participant in the Tshechu festival. Despite the challenges of learning these traditional dances, her dedication has enabled her to excel. “We have to practice before we perform in Tshechu. I am never going to stop learning because I have to teach future generations about our Talo Choeb and its uniqueness and importance,” she shared.

Pem Zam’s journey emphasizes the role of younger generations in preserving cultural practices. Her dedication is a testament to the enduring appeal of Choeb and its relevance in contemporary society. By continuing to learn and perform, she ensures that the tradition remains dynamic and evolves with the times.

Rinzin Wangchuk, the Gup of Talo Gewog under Punakha Dzongkhag, has expressed pride in the unwavering support his community provides during the annual Tshechu festival. “We never face a shortage of performers during Tshechu because many of the youth and in-service people participate,” he remarked. Despite busy schedules, the entire community unites to ensure the festival’s success. The gewog administration and residents collaborate closely, resulting in a highly successful three-day Tshechu each year. Wangchuk hopes that the tradition of Choeb will be kept alive and passed down through generations, ensuring that the cultural fabric of Talo Gewog remains vibrant for years to come.

The Gup highlighted that the Choeb is more than just a performance; it is an integral part of their identity and a source of communal pride. He noted that the enthusiastic participation of the youth is a promising sign for the future of this tradition. By engaging in Choeb, the youth not only preserve their cultural heritage but also gain a deeper understanding of their community’s values and history.

In conclusion, the practice of Choeb in Talo Gewog is a shining example of how cultural heritage can be preserved and celebrated through the dedicated efforts of a community. From the experienced performers like Kinzang Om to the enthusiastic new generation represented by Pem Zam, the commitment to Choeb ensures that this rich tradition will continue to thrive. The annual Tshechu festival stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Talo Gewog, showcasing the vibrancy and resilience of their cultural heritage for all to see.