Punakha Domchoe is a festival celebrated in Bhutan to commemorate a historic event from the 17th century. It revolves around the story of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the abbot of Ralung in Tibet, who brought sacred relics to Bhutan while being self-exiled and safe himself from the rivalry for the post of the 18th abbot in Ralung. People in the festival say that the Zhabdrung outwitted the army by throwing the relics into the Mochhu river, leading to their withdrawal for the chase for Rangjung Kharsapani. Today, Punakha Domchoe is celebrated as a vibrant festival of colorful pageantry, music, and dance, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Bhutan. Thousands of people, including tourists, gather at Punakha Dzong to witness the festival. The main attraction of the festival is the dramatic reenactment of the event, where performers dressed in traditional attire act out the battle scene between the Bhutanese and Tibetan armies. Getting myself at the feet of the magnificent Sleeping Elephant Dzong, the main seat of Zhabdrung, my keen interest to witness such a beautiful festival ended with bewilderment and astonishment. The festival is a reminder of Bhutan's strong cultural identity and the importance of preserving it for future generations. It is an experience that truly embodies the essence of Bhutan, the land of happiness.
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