THE MONGAR TOWN

Mongar is one of the six eastern districts of Bhutan. It is a two day journey by a car from Thimphu. The journey to Mongar passes through high passes, low valleys with various flora and fauna. After spending a night in Bumthang, the next day as we descend down the high hills, we feel the breath of pine trees and lemon grass. After crossing the Kurichhu River in Kurizampa, we ascend up to reach the Mongar town.

The Mongar town dates back to the construction of present Dzong in 1930s. The Dzong (Fortress) was built in a similar way as other old Dzongs of Bhutan have been built without using a nail or a drawing. The present Dzong site was later identified after the Zhongar Dzong located in Lingmethang few kilometers (30Km) drive from Mongar town has been demolished. The Zhongar Dzong has got its own story passed down from generation to generation. The Mongar town started with few settlements around Dzong and in around 1966s, a new public school (a present day YRC and Mongar High School) was also established. 

(Picture Source: social media:Facebook)

The picture aside shows Mongar which dates back to around 1970s wherein a Dzong and school have been shown. There was no motor able road and only settlements shown were few huts and most of lands were arable. The town seems little deserted yet it looks beautiful and could smell the peace and harmony in the society. People never imagined what modernization would bring into this quite place in the future. But as the time passed by, so many changes have taken place gradually.

   ( Picture Source: Internet)

This is the same picture shown above but here we could see so many changes brought in. This picture could be in late 1980s or early 1990s. More and more people have started to settle near Dzong and School building houses. All the houses are very traditional. Probably the town has been connected by a Thimphu and Trashigang highway. The Mani Chortens (Stupa) which are seen in the earlier picture have been demolished and the place has been converted to the present day public ground. The place still looks very beautiful with few houses and looks very green and happy.

Development is a boon to people on one hand but on the other, we lose most of our beautiful places. This town was soon developed into a concrete jungle with road connections to every nook and corner of the town and with so many concrete buildings. While many of these traditional houses, Dzongs and schools are still the same to this day, those small huts and other structures are completely changed into a different face.

  ( Picture Source: Internet)

As it has been proven from the picture aside, this is how it looks the present Mongar town. The public ground is still functional and most of the places are now filled with tall concrete buildings. The Mongar town stretches over a gentle slope along the Thimphu-Trashigang highway and covers few square kilometers. Currently there are 2 schools within Mongar town and also has eastern regional referral hospital. It has population of less than 10,000 and is classified as class B city in Bhutan. Mongar town is one the fastest growing town in the eastern region and also a trade center for most of the easterners.  

***All three pictures above were taken from the same view point: Helipad view*** 

 Zhongar Dzong

(Picture source: TCB)

The picture here shows the ruins of Zhongar Dzong which was once a majestic place for the Zhongar Dzongpon during the time when Bhutan was being ruled by different petty rulers. Although no written records have been found, an oral narrative states that, the ruler in the region brought a famous architect from west and told him to build fortress for him. The Architect in his vision saw vision of a hill marked by a rock resembling like Zhong (a bowl) and came to be known as Zhong ga (Zhong=bowl and ga=comfortable). Another oral narrative states that the architect while carrying out visual surveillance came across a white stone shaped like bowl and called that place as Zhongkar (Zhong=bowl and Kar=white).

The architect built Dzong which was so huge and magnificent and one story also tells that King has cut his hands thinking that one such fortress would be built for other rulers of the country too. It was also said that one Lama (Local abbot) built alter and the other built statues and although the two didn’t meet even once, later statues were perfectly fitted into an altar.  Different rulers came as one took over the other and later it was believed people offered the fortress to Zhabdrung. Later the Dzong was destroyed by fire and later by earthquake. It was said the destruction was blessing in disguise since the place has been infested with evils, rodents and diseases such as malaria. Following the destruction, the relics were then moved to the present Mongar Dzong. Even today it is believed that there are spirits and snakes guarding the place. 

Leisure in the town

Many apologies for not being able to keep this blog alive! Neither I nor my friends could come up with new posts. We either couldn't go through other's blog. We have been quite busy with office schedules..so we could not render justice to readers and this blog in particular.

For the sake of updating...um..sounds pretty ugly though, I will narrate what we have been doing this morning. Ok, let me begin. I received a call from Tashi saying we would go together to the office by city bus. He said that he could not wake up early and asked my companionship of going by bus at 9:15am. We reached Fly over bridge (city bus stop) at 9:12 am and waited patiently for about 5 minutes. The bus was little late today and thus we expected it to be little less packed than usual. At 9:20 am we got into the bus but only to be found ourselves standing in despair. The bus was more packed than usual: seemed everybody could not wake up early...lol.

Bus took its pace with glamorous roaring sound. Tashi with much complacent in his face remained firmly stood holding the hanger that swings along the reckless movement of bus. The bus encroached near the Hospital while people stopped it to get them out of it.

I smiled at him and said, "Tashi, could we loiter around the town and go to office lately?"

"Are u sure?"

"Yes, Tashi. Lets take some leisure around the town", I replied.   

"Ok, lets get off from swimming pool and head towards town", Tashi said promisingly.

We left bus near the Swimming pool and talked if Karma could also join us. While reaching near Hotel Taktsang Tashi called Karma. As expected, Karma showed up when we were waiting for him near main traffic.

Without wasting much time we immediately went to sneak cafe where we had sipped enough lassi and tea. It was really good in such time when we had no breakfast. They know my financial conditions... they didn't ask me to pay. Done with tea and Lassi we loitered around the town. Next, both of them got into barber and got their hair cut. I waited patiently, of course, expecting some more sponsorship from them. This time was lunch...lol.

I indirectly took them to Zangdo Pelri Complex saying goodness of Dorji Trozey: its way of serving customers. But in reality, I was expecting lunch to be sponsored by them in Dorji Trozey. Accordingly, it was good luck for me since Tashi has never been to there.

Upon my advertisement of Dorji Trozey, Tashi said, "lets see how true is Lhaksam. Lets go and visit it"

Wow, wow! I was really happy with Tashi's decision. Since we were little ahead of noon, the Trozey had a few customers. It was indeed empty. Normally, this hotel used to be packed with some customers waiting in line until some get done with their meal.

We were given small sheet to be written our orders. Karma and I ordered Shakam Paa while Tashi did Sikkam Paa. The lunch was really amazing one. More than this, way of serving by waitress and welcoming gesture of the owner were really marvelous.

After having heavy lunch, I silently withdraw outside while Karma and Tashi went to clear the bill. It amounted to around Nu 400 which is not much to them this time. However, the lunch was surely a pleasing one.

I thanked them and asked where to go then. The time exactly ticked 12.00 noon. Karma diverted from us and went to his office. I was bit not sure if I would go to Tashi's office and past rest of the time with him. However, while reaching to Chubachu I decided to go to my office rather. And Tashi has also decided to go to his office.

This is how I spent my half day having gone off from office for the first time. 

Contributed by Lhaksam Chedrup

      

Why Visit Eastern Parts of Bhutan!

Bhutan is well known for its unique national identities and her uniqueness of life styles of people living there, their culture and traditions, the architecture and breathtaking landscapes are the main focus point of the visiting tourists. And tourism sector is one of the accelerating forces of Bhutanese economy. But sadly the eastern part of Bhutan do not receive tourist as much as those fortunate in the western region of the country. One reason could be the winding roads that they have to pass and rapid changing climatic conditions as we ascend and descend the mountain passes. But now with the development of domestic airports in Trashigang and Bumthang, I think it is time for the people in the eastern region to grab the opportunities. For these reasons, I want to explore the significant places in the six eastern districts for the kind information of the tourists and their associated guides to plan accordingly.    

1. In Mongar we have Aja Ney, a place for trekking and it’s very religious. We also have Yakgang lhakhang, Shami lhakhang, Jayphu Lhakhang, Pongchola lhakhang, Tsanphu etc... Out of these, Shami, Jayphu and Tsanphu are located in an adventurous place; have to trek through dense forest enjoying the pristine flora n fauna. And also people there celebrate many local festivals.
2. In Lhuntse we have Singye Dzong one of the sacred places in Bhutan.  It is also a place where famous textiles popularly known as Kishuthara are produced by local men and women and also earthen pots which are a good sources of income for people there. In Lhuntse there is also a giant Guru Statue overlooking the valley. 
3. In Trashigang, there are diverse group of people having diverse culture and traditions. Merak Sakteng is a place for adventurous trekking through beautiful hills and valleys. Beside this, we have Rangjung Woesel Choling gonpa, a replica of many other Buddhist temples in world like Potala and Mindroling monastery, also Yangnyer Chorten which is a replica of Dorji Dhen Chorten, Barshong Temple newly founded by Zuri Tulku, Rangshikhar which a place of meditation of  Rangshikhar Rinpoche and many others Dupthobs. Youngphula also provides a very good view of the valley below. It’s a place where newly operated domestic airport is in place. 
4.  In Trahi Yangtse, we have Chorten Korwa and Gomphu korwa as u have mentioned in your profile. There are very interesting histories about these two sacred places. There are annual event organized in these places where people from all walks of life come to pay their homage. People from neighboring states (Monpas) of Arunachal Pradaesh also participate in the event because they have the historic connections with the Festival. Yangtse is also a famous place for Black necked crane (Bomdelling) and Bomdelling sanctuary provides very good views of various flora and fauna.  There are also many religious sites like Ombah Nay (Aa is Aja Ney and Hung is Hungrel Ja in Paro), Rigsum Goenpa, one of the three important Goenpas in Bhutan (the other two are Yongla Goenpa in Pemagatshel and Talo Goenpa in Punakha), Dechen phodrang, Thrichu Goenpa.and many more…. Also a place for Dapa (wooden plate & mug) productions. 
5.  Pemagatshel- The name “Pemagatshel” itself literally means lotus garden of happiness. It was named by Duejom Rinpoche astonishing upon having seen the mountain structures resembling the lotus petals. We have Yongla Goenpa (aforementioned) which is considered one of the sacred places in Bhutan.  It is also famous for the productions of Dung and Jaling ( Religious trumpets) and also people there produces locally made sugarcane chocolate popularly known as Tshatshi buram. Recently established Dungsam Polymers and Gypsum cement factory are also located in Pemagatshel. 
6.  Samdrup Jongkhar – This place is a business hub for eastern people. People from all regions gather there to do business. Shingkhar Lowri is a remote place in the district which is a good place for trekking. People in that village perform local dance known as Acho Lhamo Chham. This unique dance has got a very good history. It is a bordering town which borders with India and is considered one of the oldest towns in Bhutan. Samdrup Jongkhar was also an important place where many battles were fought in early days. 

These are some of the important historic sites in the eastern region which are so far unexplored. I know it would be very expensive for a tourist to make a tour to these places and they don’t want to but these are some of the significant places to convince them. Tourism is one of the driving forces in poverty alleviation and if the concerned agency like travel agent and tourism council could operate well in east, it would help the people of eastern Bhutan.

ALL THE VERY BEST.

Thank You!

The Betrayal

Love was all he dreamt of when he was still a small school going boy in early 90s. He has witnessed many boys and girls of his age moving into the world of love and having what they called a fun of love. But at his age he felt it was just a waste of time being into such affairs and study was what he was up to then.

But it would be wrong to say that people doesn't fall in love unless they are born as saints. Every youngster (few oldsters) has a desire at one point in their life to fall for someone of opposite sex (few for same sex) and build up a beautiful and lasting relationship. But many fall as prey for love. Even he as a little boy had a dream of having a loving, caring and a committed love for his life. But hearing and sometimes even seeing the bitter taste of love in some of his youngster friends, he never had a desire then to fall for someone. He always believed and said to himself “A dog will have his own day”

He was in the college and nothing changed. He was just concentrating in his studies and his career. It so happened that when he was still in first year, he met his first love. Thanks to mobile phone that his brother gave him, he met his first ever love through a number that his friend gave him. They have never seen each other but they fell in love through phone calls. I think I am wrong to say that they have never seen, because they were once schoolmate long time back and also they have seen their pictures through facebook. He then realized that his day has come. He was so committed and dedicated for her; he has fallen for her so deep that nothing could separate him from her. They were so attached and could not spend an hour without talking to each other. But it was time for her to leave for studies abroad. It was very hard for him to separate; he could not resist the pain of letting her go afar. His only worry was she might forget him because of the distance but he was assured when she said she will never fall for anyone other than him in her lifetime. She said not to fear as she would be always waiting for him and will only love him forever. This made him stronger and she left for studies. Three years were too much for him to spend all alone. He missed her so much and even made so many calls (She did too) and that kept their love alive. When she was on vacations, he would come all the way from his college, taking leave to meet her.

He was so confident that true love ever ends and nothing can separate them from each other. Three years have passed and she was back. He was very happy to be with her after so long. He thought now they could leave happily forever. But he came to know that she was not the same girl whom he loved three years ago. He has seen the change in her. She has lost interest in him. He was not very sure what has happened to her. Later he came to know that she was having an affair with another boy in her college and she did not even think of him for last three years. For him he was so dedicated and did not think of anyone other than her. The news was like a heavy blow on his face. He was hurt a lot and nothing could have been so hurtful than that news. He thought she might have missed him like he did, but it was not, she was happy with other guy and did not even have a time to think about him. He never imagined she could betray him. He trusted her so much and was sure that nothing such would happen with her. But later when he came to know this, he felt he was dead man walking, he did not feel his heartbeat and did not feel the warmth of his body. He lost all his dreams and desires in his life with her and he even found no intentions to live in this world. He thought of living this world but on other side he thought of his poor parents and her parents who already knew that they were into relationships. He has lost all his trust for her and even now he feels that he is just another guy whom she is acquainted with and not the one whom she can spend the rest of her life. He feels that she doesn't love him and she is ever ready to leave him any time for her college love. He was brutally betrayed for having loved her truly for so many years.

He realized that true love is true only when both are true to each other. If one is not true, it can’t exist. She was his first love and he was betrayed. He now never believes in true love, he gave his true love but was betrayed. True love never dies and nothing can separate true lovers are all lies; distant lover is never to be trusted. He hates love, it hurts a lot. Love hurts sucks and fucks (for those who have been betrayed).

Mind Your Judgement

I have a tendency of judging people by their looks. May be one in millions might have been correctly judged but majority are not. The looks are deceiving. I have experienced it with my own trusted person. The person whom I trusted so much appeared to me so innocent, simple, tender and soft, appeared to be very shy who would not even mingle with friends of the same sex, who would not drink, smoke nor go out (date) with anyone. That person is a very shy one who would not even walk alone or talk to anyone else as far as I know.

So I was very much sure that person would be the same in reality. Not only will I, anyone who would come across that person will have the same thought as me. But I was deceived by the looks. I could not believe my ears when I heard that the person whom I thought simple and innocent is doing many things which are not spoken of by his/her looks. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the pictures, videos and the change that I have never expected. Nobody would have expected that. The person was such a shy one, innocent but later I came to know that the same person has got the guts to flirt, party late nights, go for a date, sleeping with the opposite sex....etc... I have never ever expected out of that person. I was really deceived. 

So therefore it is a lesson to everyone, I know its human instinct to judge by the looks, we say if someone is quiet and shy, he/she is simple, innocent and good and if someone is talkative, rocking, party goers to be characterless, bad and so on...but now I realized never to judge by their looks. Better learn them closely, and you will be shocked to see that their looks never speak what they are up to in real. Looks are deceiving. Really it is. Do not judge a book by its cover.

Gawai Hingtam

Dedicated to all the viewers and Listeners.

My Respect for Girls

May be because I was so attached to my Mom (doesn't mean I am detached from my Dad), I have my respect from my heart for all girls. They I feel are the most respectable person in the society because we all know how much our Mom means to us. All girls are capable of being mother and all mothers are the same as our own Moms. They are tender, soft and love and care givers to everyone. They are nurturer, a teacher and guidance to every new life that they give. 

I feel women are characterized by softness and that is why it is not a problem even for me to approach any women, be it my boss or stranger (if at all needed). We feel much more comfortable dealing with girls than the boys. The scientific study shows that women are softer than boys due to level of hormones. They have got more level of estrogen, which contribute to their softness. Boys have more level of testosterone which contributes to more masculine appearance. 

I have my deepest respect for my Mom (and Dad) because thanks to her, today I am here able to stand on my own feet among many others. In the same way, I feel the same for other girls too. The responsible that they will shoulder sooner or later will be the same that of my mom. I feel bad when our girls fall prey to some remorseless situation. The responsible that they will shoulder in the society will be of greater significance in bringing up the nation. The guidance that they give the values they instill and the path that they show to all new lives that they give will have greater impact in the future. Good mother nurtures her child well and in fact she nurtures the future of the nation.     

For the greatest responsibilities that they shoulder, for the love and care that they give and for comfort that they create in a family or society, I respect all girls from the deepest of my heart.