The festival begins at Lhakhang Karpo, the residence of the local deity. As early as 2:30am, the monastic body recites prayers to appease Ap Chundu until 5:30 am. After that Ap Chundu’s ride, a well-decorated horse, is brought to the lhakhang from the new dzong area and a cleansing ceremony is performed. Led in a traditional ‘Chipdrel’ procession with sound of drums and bells and singing the melodious traditional songs of praises and wishes for well-beings of all sentient beings, Ap Chundu is then ushered to the place where the actual event for the day is held- ‘Janka-kha’ at upper valley of . As the Chipdrel proceeds, it is compulsory that they stop at the old Haa dzong for the marchang ceremony. Stopping at around 6 different places on the way for traditional ‘Marchang Ceremony’ (wine-offering ceremony), the procession takes around 4 hours, covering around 10kms making it the longest Chipdrel processions, perhaps in the country. The procession is then greeted by a cheerful crowd dressed in their best colorful attire at Jankakha.
Venue: Janka-kha at upper valley of Haa. Below Chundu Central School