TitleNob Chu Sha, H.H. Je Khenpo's Procession and Relic Casting ritual, Punakha Drubchen: Day Five [Wide shot]
Additional title: Casting away of Precious Relics (Ceremony)
NamesCore of Culture (Organization) (Producer)Core of Culture (Organization) (Donor)
CollectionBhutan Dance Project, Core of Culture
Dates / OriginDate Created: 2005
Library locationsJerome Robbins Dance DivisionShelf locator: *MGZIDF 769A
TopicsDance -- BhutanFolk dancing -- BhutanDance -- Religious aspects -- BuddhismRites & ceremonies -- BhutanProcessions -- BhutanDzongs -- Bhutan -- Punakha (District)Punakha (Bhutan : District)Festivals -- BhutanRitual and ceremonial dancing -- BhutanProcessional dances -- Bhutan
GenresFilmed danceFilmed performances
NotesAdditional physical form: For close shot version, see: *MGZIDF 769B.Content: Programme for the Punakha Drubchen: Day Five (Feb. 17, 2005): Nob Chu Sha ceremonial Procession of H.H. the Je Khenpo down along the river-side outside the Dzong, where he re-enacts the casting of the precious relic, Rangjung Kharsapani, into the Mo-chu River. This immersion ceremony was performed by the Zhabdrung in 1639 to trick the Tibetan invaders into believing the relics had been destroyed.Venue: Videotaped during the procession at the Punakha Dzong (by the stairs to the dzong by the Mo-chu river, opposite the river bank to the ceremony), on Feb. 17, 2005.Acquisition: Gift; Core of Culture. NN-PDBiographical/historical: Pungthang Dechen Phodrang Dzong (The Palace of Great Bliss) in Punakha was constructed by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1637-38 and is of great historical significance. Located on a stretch of land where two rivers, the Phochu and Mochu, coverage, the Dzong appears as great anchored ship. It was here that the Zhabdrung died in 1651. Again, it was here that the first hereditary Monarch of Bhutan, King Ugyen Wangchuck, was enthroned just over one hundred years ago, on Dec. 17, 1907. Punakha served as the winter capital of the Kingdom until 1955, (after which the capital moved to Thimphu) and Punakha Dzong continues to be the winter residence of the Central Monastic Authority (CMA) the main monk body of the Drukpa Kagyu School.Biographical/historical: The Punakha Drubchen is one of the most sacred festivals in Bhutan. This Drubchen is dedicated to Yeshey Goenpo (Mahakala) one of the three Protector Deities of Bhutan. The first two days of the Drubchen see dances taking place inside the Dukang Shrine amongst monks, witnessed only by elected officials of the Government and VIP guests. Whilst Core of Culture were allowed to witness these highly-protected rituals and the sacred dances that accompany them, filming was not allowed. The dances of the third and final day take place before the public, outside, in the main courtyard of the Dzong.).
Physical DescriptionBorn digitalExtent: 1 video file (ca. 39 min.) : sound, color
DescriptionThe Drubchen ends with H.H. the Je Khenpho leading a ceremonial procession re-enacting the symbolic immersion of the precious relic, Rangjung Kharsapani, into the Mo-chu River. This immersion ceremony was performed by the Zhabdrung in 1639 to trick the Tibetan invaders into believing that the actual Rangjung Kharsapani had been thrown into the river by the Zhabdrung. Tibetan forces (here represented by selected Pazap troops, look on from the other side of the river).
Type of ResourceMoving image
IdentifiersNYPL catalog ID (B-number): b19825559Universal Unique Identifier (UUID): fd821ff0-e7ef-0130-e4de-3c075448cc4b
Copyright NoticeCore of Culture
Rights StatementThis item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
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