Jakar

by sjsonnenbergmd
Jakar Dzong, the White Bird Dzong
Photo credit: Wikipedia Commons

Our hotel, the Jakar Village Lodge, was located just below the Dzong. We started our walk up to the Dzong with the intent of visiting the temples and were surprised to learn it was the first day of the Bumthang Tshechu.

The Jakar Dzong or the “Castle of the White Bird” dominates the Chamkhar valley and overlooks the town. Constructed in 1549, by the Tibetan Lam Nagi Wangchuk, the Dzong played an important role as the fortress of defense of the whole eastern Dzongkhags. It also became the seat of the first king of Bhutan.
A special feature of the Dzong is the approximately fifty meters high Utse or the Central tower, which is distinct from most other Dzongs in Bhutan. The other unique feature of the Dzong is a sheltered passage, with two parallel walls, interconnected by fortified towers, which gave the population of the fortress access to water in the case of a siege. The protected water supply is still intact to this day.
This was a much more intimate event than the Thimphu Tschechu. We sat on the ground, watching at eye level with a much smaller crowd.
Black Hat Dancers
Phalluses play an important role in warding off evil and people who would speak badly of you. They can be embarrassing none-the-less and the Atsaras take full advantage of this.
Some are more captivated than others.
Margaret’s new Tshechu friend
Part of the volunteer clean-up crew, waiting their turn.
The Bumthang domestic air terminal. It was Sally’s day to fly back, but they couldn’t find a plane. We had the pleasure of her company for another day.
Momos at the Airport Cafeteria
Bumthang has a Swiss farm with a cheese factory and the Red Panda beer brewery. Unfortunately, both were closed for Tshechu.
Purchasing fabric in downtown Bumthang. The painter was quite proud that it had been woven by his mother and we were honored to purchase it.

That’s it for this post. A very full day.

1 Comment

  1. I’m really enjoying reading all your posts! Keep them coming! Google just reminded me that it was one year ago today that I hiked up the Tiger’s Nest Temple, so that’s pretty cool.

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