Punakha Drubchen

The warriors who served under Zhabdrung Zgawang Namgyel are commonly referred to as Pazaps. They belong to the Wang Tshochengye, one of the prominent clans within the Thimphu and Punakha regions. Adorned in red and black attire, Pazaps symbolize the troops of Zhabdrung, and only residents of Wang Tshochenye are eligible to assume this role.

As for the background of the Punakha Drubchen, the festival revives an ancient tradition by reenacting a play portraying a group of warriors embarking on a battle. Held annually on the 24th day of the 12th month in the Bhutanese calendar, which corresponds to the end of February or the beginning of March, the celebration pays homage to Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and his successful resistance against invading Tibetan forces. The reenactment commemorates a pivotal event from the 17th century when Tibetan forces invaded Bhutan in pursuit of the sacred relic Rangjung Kharsarpani. The climax of the festival occurs on its final day.

The origins of Punakha Drubchen can be traced back to a momentous event in Bhutanese history. In 1639, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal successfully repelled Tibetan invaders during a siege of the Punakha Dzong. To commemorate this victory and honor the bravery of the defenders, the Punakha Drubchen festival was established.

The enactment during Punakha Drubchen sees seventeen actors donning their finest combat attire, consisting of intricately patterned ghos, yellow silk skirts adorned with colorful ribbons, and white, blue, and red felt boots. Led by eight generals known as Magpons, the actors also sport heavy metal helmets embellished with flags, a signature feature of the Pazaps, who carry gleaming swords by their sides.

Each Pazap performs the Lengmag dance in the grand courtyard of the dzong, paying homage to His Holiness the Je Khenpo. Subsequently, they depart the dzong in large groups, accompanied by grand gestures, loud noises, and the blowing of whistles.

The enactment continues with the generals mounting their horses and riding off in different directions to save sacred artifacts threatened by submersion in the river. Meanwhile, outside the dzong complex, a religious parade unfolds, consisting of hundreds of monks and lams from the Drukpa Kagyu sect, bedecked in the sect's distinctive high red hats.