Shabdrung Kuchoey Date: November 27
Shabdrung Kuchoey is a public holiday in Bhutan.
Shabdrung Kuchoey marks the death anniversary of the Shabdrung in 1651, on the 10th day of the 4th month of the lunar calendar. The Shabdrung is the most important tulku lineage in Bhutan, similar to the Dalai Lama lineage of Tibet. The lineage passes through the founder of the country, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, born in 1594. He was a high Drukpa Kagyu lama who was the unifier of Bhutan as a nation state. In Bhutan the Shabdrung is revered as the third most important personality behind Guru Rinpoche and the Buddha.
History of Shabdrung Kuchoey
In addition to unifying Bhutan from fighting rival territories, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal also tried to create a distinct Bhutanese cultural identity from the Tibetan culture from which it was derived. The Shabdrung ruled the country from the Buddhist monastery Pungtang Dechen Photrang Dzong at Punakha until his death in 1651. His advisors hid the news of his death for 54 years to avoid political turmoil. During this time they said that the Shabdrung was ruling Bhutan while in seclusion, and at first, the people believed the explanation because the Shabdrung was known for his extended silent retreats.
The Shabdrung’s body lies preserved in a sacred inner chamber in Pungtang Dechen Photrang Dzong where it has been under perpetual watch since his death. The task of watching over him is one of the most sacred duties in the kingdom of Bhutan, carried out by two high lamas. Not even the king is allowed in the inner chamber.
Shabdrung Kuchoey Traditions, Customs and Activities
This is a day for religious Buddhist deremonies. All dzongs—fortress-like monasteries established throughout Bhutan by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal—conduct funeral ceremonies for Rinpoche Shabdrung, meaning “The Precious One Shabdrung” in English. Believers take long walks from their houses to monasteries to pay homage to the Shabdrung with prayers and flowers. Everyone in Bhutan takes this day of observance seriously and is a non-work day in Bhutan. Some of the elder people have regrets that the tradition isn’t passed on more fervently to new generations as it is losing some importance in Bhutan.
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