Historic Changyuel Galem’s House Set for Restoration with Nu 10 Million Funding

After years of anticipation, the restoration of the revered Changyuel Galem’s house is finally moving forward, with funding expected to be released by the end of the first quarter of 2025. Last year, a donor agency committed Euro 130,000 (approximately Nu 10 million) to the project, although the disbursement had been pending the donor’s final approval.

The restoration project, crucial for preserving one of Punakha’s most significant cultural landmarks, has faced delays due to funding uncertainties and challenges in securing specialized heritage conservation expertise. An official from the Ministry of Home Affairs explained, “The restoration requires firms with specific qualifications in heritage conservation, and finding the right partners has proven difficult.”

Located just meters from the iconic Punakha Dzong, the historic Changyuel Galem’s house is now safeguarded by a protective fence, underscoring its cultural importance. The primary objective of the restoration is to maintain the house’s Cultural Heritage Values (CHV), encompassing its aesthetic, architectural, historical, and spiritual significance as outlined in Bhutan’s Cultural Heritage Bill of 2016.

The restoration plan emphasizes preserving the building’s architectural and historical integrity while incorporating an adaptive reuse strategy. This approach will transform parts of the house into a display gallery and a café, promoting sustainable use and generating economic benefits to support ongoing management.

“We aim to protect not only the physical structure but also the intangible cultural practices associated with Galem’s house,” the ministry official stated. The project, once funded, is slated to commence promptly and is expected to take 18 months to complete.

Beyond preservation, Galem’s house is set to become a model for the conservation of vernacular architecture across Bhutan. It will be accessible to both locals and tourists, offering a firsthand experience of its rich cultural and historical legacy. Additionally, the house will function as a research resource for studying traditional Bhutanese architecture and conservation methods.

The Galem family, whose descendants have historically been integral to the house’s cultural and religious functions, played a pivotal role during the proposal phase. Post-renovation, the family will retain ownership and manage the house, ensuring that their heritage continues to thrive. They will also have the opportunity to invest in further infrastructure developments.

Changyuel Galem’s house holds deep historical connections dating back to the era of Zhabdrung, adding layers to its cultural significance. The house is central to several traditional ceremonies, including offerings to local deities and the annual procession of sacred banners, which are pivotal events in Punakha’s cultural calendar. Male descendants of the Galem family actively participate in these ceremonies, maintaining the house’s role as a living cultural hub.

The restoration aligns with Bhutan’s “values-based protection” approach to heritage conservation, which prioritizes the preservation of Cultural Heritage Values. This strategy ensures that conservation efforts maintain both the physical and cultural essence of heritage sites, allowing them to endure and remain meaningful for future generations.

As the community eagerly awaits the restoration’s commencement, the revitalization of Changyuel Galem’s house promises to be a beacon of cultural preservation and sustainable development, reinforcing Punakha’s status as a guardian of Bhutan’s rich heritage.

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