News: His Majesty the King graced the opening ceremony of 3rd session of the parliament

His Majesty the King graced the opening ceremony of 3rd session of the parliament

The 3rd session of the parliament began amidst traditional ceremony today. His Majesty the King graced the opening ceremony. His Majesty the King was escorted by the Prime Minister, the National Assembly Speaker, the Opposition Leader, the National Council chairperson, and cabinet ministers.

At the courtyard of the Gyalyong Tshokhang, His Majesty was received by members of the parliament and then ushered into the Gyalyong Tshokhang.

In the opening remarks, the National Assembly Speaker Jigme Tshultim expressed gratitude to His Majesty the King for touring remote villages in Lhuentse and Monggar and solving the pressing land related issues.

Tshogpoen Jigme Tshultim also congratulated the United Progressive Alliance government in India for its success in the national elections this year. The Speaker also commended the recent visit of India’s new External Affairs Minister to the country.

He also congratulated the new constitutional appointees to the Royal Civil Service Commission. Tshogpen Jigme Tshultim also expressed condolence to people who lost family members in the flood last month. On other issues, he said the unemployment problem in the country is expected to be solved by the upcoming hydro power projects such as the Punatshangchhu hydro power project.

Following this, the Prime Minister, the Opposition Leader, the National Council Chairperson and parliament members presented their appreciation to His Majesty the King.

During the recess, His Majesty also met with the parliamentarians and interacted with international diplomats and guests who attended the opening.

The 3rd session of the parliament is expected to discuss about 12 bills including the Local Government Bill, the Civil Service Bill and the Police Bill.

Source: BBS

Ging Tsholing Chham

Ging Tsholing Chham

The dancers which combines two groups of characters namely Ging and Tsholing. The Tsholing dancers have long colorful brocade dresses and wear terrifying masks. The Ging dancers wear tagshams (tiger-skin skirts) and terrifying dark blue (male) and red (female) mask with a flag on the top. Each Ging dancers carries Nga (Drum) in the left hand and Nea tog (drumstick) in the right hand.

The Tungam Chham

Tungam Chham

The dancers wear beautiful brocade dresses, boots and a terrifying mask. The dance has a very deep symbolic meaning. A ritual sacrifice is carried out, the dancers represent the gods.

Daga Dzong

Zhabdrung Rinpochhe, after unifying the western part of the country, decided to expand the Drukpa rule ro the southern region. Accordingly he visited Dagana and in about 1651, laid the foundation for the dzong which he named Trashi Yangtse Dzong. Tenpa Thinley was appointed as the first Daga Poenlop to govern the southern region fom this Dzong. Daga Dzong become the seat of the Daga Poenlop for many years. Today it is the headquarters of the Dagana Dzongkhag

About Dzong (Fortress) of Bhutan

Dzong's (Fortress) of Bhutan

The word "Dzong" loosely translated mean a fortress. For over three hundred years they have served as an effective defence against any attack or invasion. That is why, they were built mostly on mountains spurs overlooking and commanding the whole valley below. They were often surrounded by watch towers and observation posts situated higher up the hillsides. The Dzong today serve the function of both administrative center and a monastery.

Dzongs were first built in Bhutan in the twelfth century by La, Gyalwa Lhanangpa, an important leader of the Lhapa Kagyu. Do Ngon Dzong (Blue Stone Dzong) where Dechen Phodrang stands today was built by him. It was only from the time of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in he seventeenth century that the Dzong played a significant role in the history of Bhutan.They not only served as an effective defence but also became the centers of religious and cultural activities and the seat of civil authority.

Today the major Dzongs are the seats of district administrations. They house the offices of the civil authority headed by the Dzongda and district court headed by the Thrimpons.