The reconstruction of Rangtse Lhakhang in Gakiling Gewog, Haa, has formally begun following a traditional Salang Tendrel, or ground-breaking ceremony, held on the auspicious 14th day of the seventh lunar month.
The ceremony marked the start of efforts to rebuild the one-storey traditional lhakhang, an important religious structure for the people of Rangtse Chiwog.
The Lam Neten of Haa Dratshang presided over the religious ceremony, which was attended by the Dasho Drungpa and Dasho Drangpon of Sangbaykha Drungkhag. The Gakiling Gup, sector heads and residents of Rangtse Chiwog also joined the ceremony.
During the event, a circular rainbow was seen forming around the sun. Those gathered for the occasion regarded the phenomenon as an auspicious sign, in keeping with traditional beliefs associating such occurrences with blessings and favourable beginnings.
The reconstruction project is being undertaken as part of the 13th Five-Year Plan of the Dratshang Lhentshog Secretariat and is being implemented with financial assistance from the Government of India.
The project is expected to help preserve the traditional character of the lhakhang while ensuring that the religious structure continues to serve the local community.
Local officials and the community expressed appreciation to the Government of India and the Dratshang Lhentshog Secretariat for supporting the reconstruction, which will help safeguard an important place of worship and cultural heritage in the gewog.
The ground-breaking ceremony brought together religious leaders, local authorities and residents, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the lhakhang and the Rangtse community.
