Ap Chundu’s Lhapsoel is an age-old tradition of Haa Dzongkhag that is held annually. The event is held on 1st November, every year to honour Ap Chundu, who’s the principal protective deity of Haa Dzongkhag. The event used to be held around November-December in the past based on an auspicious Zakar, but since 2023, the event has been set to be held on 1st November every year at the request of the public to His Holiness the Je Khenpo.
The event starts at the sacred Lhakhang Karpo in the wee hours of the morning (4.45 am) with traditional ceremonies of Lhabsang, and Thruesoel of the Chip (riding horse of Ap Chundu), followed by a gun-shot into the air, and then symbolically receiving Ap Chundu on his Chip. The whole congregation with the Chief Guest then start to proceed toward Jyenkakha, a place some 9.6 km away from Lhakhang Karpo. In a sense, it can be the longest Chipdrel procession in the country.
The Chipdrel attendees, which consists of Lam Neten and Lopons from Dratshang, Dzongdag and all relevant Dzongkhag officials, regional heads, LG members and the devout general public – which could be anything between 200-500 usually take part in the procession. The procession has multiple stop-overs on the way, starting first at the historic Wangchuck Lo-Dzong for offering of Suja-Dresi made by the general public of different places and some institutions. There could be around 8-10 stop-overs on the way.
The procession, once at the main ground (Jyenkakha) offers prayers at the Altar followed by reading of the Kasho (on making the day of the event on 1st November and other important messages) by Venerable Lam Neten. The program then unfolds with a performance by the Pawo and Paazaps. This is followed by erecting of the flag of Ap Chundu atop a very tall tree – estimated to be some 77.7 ft. There will be performances by the Dzongkhag dancers, followed by lunch for all.
While the event mainly serves as an occasion to pay homage to the legendary protective deity of the Dzongkhag (who is also widely well-known and revered in many other Dzongkhags as well), it also serves as an occasion for the whole society to come together, socialize, network and meet with their loved ones.
The program usually ends by 2:00 pm.
Date: 1st November
Vanue: Jangkha Kha, Bji gewog, Haa