The Punakha Drubchen is unique for the fact that it includes the enactment of the battle scene between Bhutanese and Tibetan armies from the 17th century. The ‘pazaps’ are the local militiamen, dressed in traditional battle gear. The victory of the Drukpa soldiers who volunteered in the absence of a standing army ushered in a period of newfound internal peace and stability.
Black-necked Crane festival
Posted on August 23, 2013 ·
The annual Black-necked Crane festival is celebrated in the courtyard of Gangtey Gonpa in Phobjikha valley. The festival heralds the arrival of the rare and endangered crane species during winter and the relationship it shares with the local communities. The festival includes folk songs and mask dances performed by the local people, and crane dances and environmental conservation-themed dramas and songs by school children.
