4. Wangdue Phodrang

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Wangdue Phodrang is district of Bhutan. Wangdue is the second largest district in Bhutan, comprising of 15 vast and diverse geogs. They are Athang, Bjena , Daga, Dangchu, Gangtey, Gasetshog Gom, Gasetshog Wom, Kazhi, Nahi, Nyisho, Phangyul, Phobjikha, Rubeisa, Sephu & Thedtsho. Food security and rural access is the most obtainable in Thedtsho geog (were the present town and the developing Bajo town are located). They are the least accessible and found lacking in Athang (the most remote geog). This is also the name of the Dzong, which was built in 1638. The name is said to have been given by the Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal who was searching for the best location to build the Dzong to prevent incursions from the south. At the chosen spot the Shabdrung encountered a boy named Wangdi playing beside the river and hence named the Dzong “Wangdi’s Palace”. It is located on top of a high ridge between the Puna Tsang Chu and the Dangchu, offering a spectacular view.

3. Punakha

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Punakha is one of the 20 districts of Kingdom of Bhutan. The Punakha Dzong is one of the most historic Dzongs in the whole country. Built by Zhabdrung Ngwang Namgyal in the 17th century, it is located between the confluence of two rivers: Pho(male) chhu and Mo(female) chhu. Punakha Dzong, the administrative and religious centre of the district, is the winter home of Bhutan’s Central Monk Body. Since the 1680’s the Dzong has also been the site of a continuous vigil over the earthly body of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of the country, which lies in a special chamber in the Dzong. Punakha was the formal capital of Bhutan during the time of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

2. Paro

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Paro is one of the most historic valleys in Bhutan with the population of 20,000. Both trade goods and invading Tibetans came over the past at the head of the valley, giving Paro the closest cultural connection with Tibet of any Bhutanese district. Rinpung Dzong, also known as Paro Dzong, the massive fortress/monastery which is also the administrative center of the dzonkhag. Scenes from the movie Little Buddha were filmed in and around this Dzong.

ZHANA CHHAM

Zhana Chham - (Black Hats Dance)

The dancers wear wide tall black hats, felt boots and long colorful brocade dresses. They doesn’t wear mask. The dancers assume the appearance of Neljorpas (Yogis) and this way they subdue the enemies of the doctrine. This is done in order to lead the beings or spirits to Buddha’s path.

BHUTAN MASK DANCES

Dance and music play a very important role in the cultural life of people. Through these dances, the ordinary people come to know their place in the history of the country. Chhams are usually performed during the Tshechus

The Chhams were composed mainly to convey religious messages to the people. Some were composed by Guru Rinpochhe while others were created by Terton Pema Lingpa, Zhabdrung Rinpochhe and other great saints. During the mask dances, the deities of the tantric teacheings as invoked and through their power and blessings, misfortunes are removed. All evil spirits and demons which are preventing the spread of Chhoe (the doctrine) are suppressed so that the doctrine of Lord Buddha mat flourish and bring joy and happiness to all beings.