BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//wp-events-plugin.com//7.0.3//EN BEGIN:VEVENT UID:20@haa.gov.bt DTSTART:20260222T070000Z DTEND:20260222T070000Z DTSTAMP:20260205T074930Z URL:https://haa.gov.bt/events/bongko-a-traditional-village-festival-in-haa / SUMMARY:Bongko: A traditional Village Festival in Haa DESCRIPTION:\n1. Introduction &\; Historical Origins\n\n\n\nBongko is a traditional festival celebrated once every three years at Bali\, Haa. The similar event is celebrated at Dumchu and Yangthang. It is believed to hav e started in the 12th century during the era of Phajo Drugom Zhipo\, a key figure in the establishment of the Kagyu school of Buddhism in Bhutan. Al though its exact origins are unclear\, the festival has been passed down t hrough generations and remains a significant cultural and spiritual practi ce.\n\n\n\n2. Spiritual and Cultural Significance\n\n\n\nBongko blends pre -Buddhist animist and shamanistic traditions with Buddhist devotion. It is performed for the peace and prosperity of the community and reflects the syncretic nature of Bhutanese spirituality\, where older local beliefs coe xist with Buddhism. The festival is seen as an expression of uncontaminate d devotion to Buddhism\, even as it preserves ancient rituals.\n\n\n\n3. P reparations\n\n\n\nBongko is held between the first and second month of th e Bhutanese calendar\, regardless of the weather. Preparations begin well in advance: Pazaaps practice the Zhey\, and women rehearse dances one or t wo weeks ahead. The main program takes place over two consecutive days.\n\ n\n\nDay 1 – Ritual Preparations:\n\n\n\nOn the evening of the first day \, all the Pazaaps gather on the ground floor of a designated house to par ticipate in a ritual led by an astrologer and monks. This ceremony involve s sending off a ritual cake\, which symbolizes good health and happiness f or the village over the next three years\, until the next Bongko. Simultan eously\, the shaman prepares his own ritual cake for the main day’s cere monies. The women (Nangi-Aums) often attend the shaman with enthusiasm to hear his Mo (prophecy or divination).\n\n\n\nDay 2 – Main Event:\n\n\n\n The celebration centers around the Phajo\, a sacred wooden thunderbolt wra pped in silk and brocade\, kept in a village house regarded as its abode.\ n\n\n\n– Villagers dress in their finest traditional attire. Men carry s words and wear special gho\, while women adorn their best jewelry.\n\n\n\n – The Phajo is carried to Bali Lhakhang in a ceremonial procession led b y the Pazaaps\, followed by women singing “Au Lepay Lepay.” After bein g sanctified at the temple\, it is taken to the Bongko ground.\n\n\n\n– Shamans perform rituals\, chant the story of Phajo Drugom Zhipo\, and comm unicate with spirits to warn of future events and appease deities.\n\n\n\n – A group of young women\, led by a female shaman (Neljorma)\, carries w heat flour and an arrow (Dhadar) to appease the Goddess of the Lake (Tsome n).\n\n\n\n– The village boundaries are ritually demarcated in the four directions (North\, South\, East\, and West) with offerings and symbolic w eapons.\n\n\n\n– A series of cultural programs are arranged to showcase the beauty and unity of the village women and to preserve local culture an d traditions.\n\n\n\n– Performances continue into the night\, with parti cipation from both young and old.\n\n\n\n– The Phajo is carried through the crowd to give blessings\, and people offer money in return. It is beli eved that Phajo can grant wish what you ask for.\n\n\n\n– Visitors from nearby villages attend\, and small local trade activities take place.\n\n\ n\n3. Conclusion. Bongko: more than Festival – A Living Prayer\n\n\n\nAf ter two days of gathering\, performance\, and entertainment\, the festival concludes. Bongko serves as a living tradition that strengthens community bonds\, preserves oral history\, and integrates spiritual beliefs. From t he eldest to the youngest\, villagers pray for good health\, happiness\, a nd prosperity in the community for the next three years. Bongko is therefo re regarded as a deeply sacred and cherished tradition of Bali village. Th is year Bongko will be held on 22nd February 2026 (Fifth Day of the First Month of Bhutanese Calendar) coinciding with His Majesty The King’s Birt h Anniversary.\n\n CATEGORIES:Culture END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR