Tens of thousands of people packed the courtyard of the Tashichoedzong yesterday to witness the Thimphu Dromchoe.

The number of people coming to witness the annual Thimphu Dromchoe is increasing every year. Dressed in their seysho, lungsem, and aikapur, a record number of people from all walks of life gathered at the Tashichodzong to witness the annual Thimphu Dromchoe yesterday.

The courtyard of the Tashichodzong where the mask dances were performed was packed with people. The crowd was so huge not everybody could be accommodated inside the courtyard of the Tashichodzong.

Some even had to return home. Those who managed to get inside the dzong had to jostle for standing space.

Speaking to BBS, some of the spectators expressed concern for the safety of the children and the elderly.

The Dromchoe festival is preceded by a 15 day prayer ceremony which is presided by His Holiness the Je Khenpo himself.

The highlight of the Dromchoe is the Lham Tshom Dance which is performed in honour of Pelden Lham, one of the main protective deities of the kingdom.

The Thimphu Lhamoi Dromchoe was instituted between 1705 and 1709 by Je Kunega Gyeltshen, the first reincarnation of Jamphel Dorji, the son of Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyel.

According to legend, Palden Lhamo appeared before him and performed the dance while he was in meditation. Based on it, Kuenga Gyeltshen initiated the Lhamoi Dromchey.

The Dromchoe will be followed by the Thimphu Tshechu later this week. Source: BBS