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Trongsa Dzong: The Druk Minjur Chhoekhor Rabtentse Dzong
Trongsa Dzong consecrated: A rich history restored
Austria in Bhutan

Completely restored to its former glory in a major restoration and renovation project begun in 1999, the Trongsa Dzong was sanctified with the sacred consecration (rabney) ceremony on October 28, 2004 corresponding to the 15th day of the ninth month of the Wood Monkey year.

The former Je Khenpo, His Holiness Nyizer Trulku, Dorji Lopon Kuenley of the central monk body, and the monks of the Chhoetse rabdey performed the Lama Chhoepa Rabney (dedicated to Guru Aradhana) and Gyalpoi ginseg (fire offering to remove obstacles) to sanctify the magnificent monument.

The rabney ceremony was attended by the prime minister, Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba, the home minister, Lyonpo Jigmi Y Thinley, Austrian ambassador to Bhutan, Dr. Jutta Stefan-Bastl, senior Bhutanese and Austrian officials, as well as representatives of the people of Mangdue Tshozhi.

The Tashi Ngasol procession
Tashi Ngasol ceremony
The sacred rabney concluded with the unique Tashi Ngasol ceremony where the entire gathering participated in an elaborate procession to circumambulate the dzong. The procession, representing all life forms, carried the Tashi Ta-gye (eight lucky signs), Tashi Ze-gye (eight precious objects), and the Gyalse Ngaduen (seven treasures of a universal King), and offered prayers in the ultimate celebration of the auspicious occasion.

After the ceremony, His Holiness Nyizer Trulku offered the Tashi Ze-gye to Prime Minister Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba.

Austrian Assistance

The renovation project was announced by His Majesty the King at the beginning of the eighth five-year plan in 1997 following several studies conducted by the Austrian government. The last renovation on the Trongsa Dzong had been done in 1879 following damage caused by an earthquake.

About Nu.100 million was spent on the renovation and restoration of the dzong, 75 percent of the funds from the government of Austria and the rest funded by the government. According to the people of Mangdue Tshozhi the consecration of the Trongsa Dzong was not only a joyous occasion but also an event that strengthened history and tradition.

"The Tashi Rabney of the historic Trongsa Dzong is a re-enforcement of the priorities and values that has survived and strengthened over the centuries," gup Phuentsho of Nubi geog reported. He said that the people of Trongsa saw the renovation as an opportunity to preserve a part of Bhutanese history. "The Trongsa dzong is a symbol of Bhutan's rich cultural and religious heritage which we have inherited from our forefathers and it has a national significance because it is where the institution of monarchy in Bhutan began," said the secretary of Chhoetse Rabdey, Lopon Zeko who added that the preservation of the Trongsa dzong was important to the dzongkhag and the entire country. The dzong is home to the second largest monastic body in the country.

Prime Minister Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba
The sacred rabney concluded with the unique Tashi Ngasol ceremony where the entire gathering participated in an elaborate procession to circumambulate the dzong. The procession, representing all life forms, carried the Tashi Ta-gye (eight lucky signs), Tashi Ze-gye (eight precious objects), and the Gyalse Ngaduen (seven treasures of a universal King), and offered prayers in the ultimate celebration of the auspicious occasion.

The people of Mangdue Tshozhi expressed their deep appreciation to the government of Austria for funding the restoration of the historical dzong. "We would like to express our appreciation to the Austrian government for providing financial support to renovate our Chhokhor Rabtentse Dzong," said gup Phuentsho and Lopon Zeko.

As the oldest and one of the largest dzongs in Bhutan Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba said that the Trongsa Dzong was of great importance to Bhutan as it is where the institution of monarchy in Bhutan began. On behalf of the royal government and people of Bhutan, Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba expressed his appreciation to the government and the people of Austria for their financial support to preserve and restore Trongsa dzong.

Austrian Ambassador Dr. Jutta Stefan-Bastl said that the government of Austria was happy for being able to contribute in preserving and restoring the historical Trongsa dzong which is a symbol of Bhutan's rich cultural and religious heritage. "I think we can tell our people back home about the money spent on Trongsa dzong was well utilized and contributes to the national identity and the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people," said the ambassador.

By Rinzin Wangchuk, Kuensel, Bhutan's National Newspaper
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