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Bhutan's Culture Trongsadzong |
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Bhutan's Culture Trongsadzong |
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Trongsa
Dzong |
The Druk Minjur Chhoekhor Rabtentse Dzong |
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Trongsa
Dzong: The Druk Minjur Chhoekhor Rabtentse Dzong
Built 463
years ago, the
dzong's street-like corridors, wide stone stairs, beautiful flagstone courtyards
and sacred temples have been witness to many significant events that have
shaped Bhutanese history since the 16th
century.
Trongsa
Dzong today represents an important link with Bhutan's precious institution
of monarchy. |
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It
was the dzong where future Kings formalised their ascension as Chhoetse
Penlop before ascending the Golden Throne. Trongsa Dzong is the place where the investiture ceremony of His Royal Highness the Crown
Prince, Dasho Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, as the Chhoetse
Penlop has taken place in October 2004.
The
announcement of the renovation of the Trongsa dzong, by His Majesty the
King, during the beginning of the eighth five year plan was welcomed by
the people of Trongsa. Today, the enthusiasm and joy of the people of Trongsa
remain unabated as they see a sacred monument being preserved and restored
to its original glory. "The Trongsa dzong is a symbol of Bhutan's rich
cultural and religious heritage which we have inherited from our forefathers
and the announcement that efforts would be made to preserve and restore
was a source of great joy to us," said the Trongsa chimi.
Now we can pass
on the legacy to the future generations of Bhutanese who can also look
on it with equal pride." Karma of Korphu said that the people of Trongsa
saw the renovation as an opportunity to contribute in any way they could
to preserving a part of Bhutanese history. "We, the people of Trongsa,
are ready to assist in any way we can to ensure that the dzong stands for
many more centuries," he said. "It is a monument that the people of Trongsa
are proud to have."
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Trongsa
Dzong: Significance |
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Trongsa
Dzong before the restauration
The
announcement of the renovation of the Trongsa dzong, by His Majesty the
King, during the beginning of the eighth five year plan was welcomed by
the people of Trongsa. Today, the enthusiasm and joy of the people of Trongsa
remain unabated as they see a sacred monument being preserved and restored
to its original glory. |
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"The
Trongsa dzong is a symbol of Bhutan's rich cultural and religious heritage
which we have inherited from our forefathers and the announcement that
efforts would be made to preserve and restore was a source of great joy
to us," said the Trongsa chimi.
Now
we can pass on the legacy to the future generations of Bhutanese who can
also look on it with equal pride." Karma of Korphu said that the people
of Trongsa saw the renovation as an opportunity to contribute in any way
they could to preserving a part of Bhutanese history. "We, the people of
Trongsa, are ready to assist in any way we can to ensure that the dzong
stands for many more centuries," he said. "It is a monument that the people
of Trongsa are proud to have."
Tashi
Dorji of Drakteng geog said that the renovations were timely in that the
government had taken the initiative to restore the dzong before any major
irreversible damages could occur. "The Trongsa dzong is a precious historical
monument and if anything were to happen to it, it will be a great loss
not only to the dzongkhag but also to the nation as a whole," he said.
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The
Trongsa dzongda, Dasho Dophu Tshering, said that the preservation of the
Trongsa dzong was important to the dzongkhag and the entire country.
"The
Trongsa dzong is of national significance because it is where the institution
of monarchy in Bhutan began," he said. "The dzong is also one of the largest
structures measuring about 227 meters and is home to the second largest
monastic body in the country." |
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The
secretary of the Trongsa Rabdey, Dungchen Zeko, expressed his happiness
at the government's initiative to preserve the Trongsa dzong saying that
the renovation would benefit the monk body and the people of the dzongkhag.
"The Trongsa dzong will stand as a great symbol of our unique identity
as a sovereign and independent Buddhist nation," he said.
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Contributed by
Rinzin Wangchuk, Kuensel, Bhutan's National Newspaper |
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Trongsa
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Information on Bhutan |
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