1 digital video file (ca. 1 min.): digital, stereo., H.264 file.
Summary
First performance of the new Coming of the Zhabdrung dance/drama choreographed by Ramjam Thinley Gyamtso, Principal of RAPA, to commemorate the inauguration of the first Punakha Tsechu in 2005. The choreography includes highlights from specific regional folk-dances, such as the Goen Zhey (from Gasa) which was said to be a dance with which the Zhabdrung was first welcomed to Bhutan, after first crossing over from Tibet.
Uniform title
Bhutan Dance Project, Core of Culture.
Alternative title
Coming of the Zhabdrung: Scene 5 - Lighting Butter lamps - Exit Procession of Zhabdrung and Retinue. Punakha Tsechu: Day Three, the final day [Close shot]
The Punakha Tsechu (as opposed to the Punakha Drubchen) is of recent origin, having been first performed in 2005. Dasho Thinley Gyamtsho, the Principal of RAPA, was asked to create a new dance spectacle to help inaugurate the Tsechu, and he devised a new piece, taking three days to perform, The Coming of the Zhabdrung which recounts the history of Zhabdrung, Nagawang Namgyal particularly as it relates to his arrival in Punakha and the building of the Punakha Dzong, Pungthang Dechen Phodrang.
Programme for the Punakha Tsechu: Day Three, Final Day: Feb. 20, 2005 : Chung Zam - Dance of the Four Garudas ; Pa Cham - Dance of the Heroes ; Durdag - Dance of the Four Lords of the Charnel Grounds ; Ging Tang Tsholing - Ging and Tsholing ; Ging Cham - Victory dance of the Ging ; Zhabdrung Zednam - The Coming of the Zhabdrung (Dance Drama).
Access (note)
Open.
Event (note)
Videotaped in performance at the main courtyard, Punakha Dzong, in Punakha, Bhutan (camera level with dancers), on Feb. 20, 2005.
Source (note)
Core of Culture.
Biography (note)
Pungthang Dechen Phodrang Dzong (The Palace of Great Bliss) in Punakha was constructed by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1637-38 and is of great historical significance. Located on a stretch of land where two rivers, the Phochu and Mochu, coverage, the Dzong appears as great anchored ship. It was here that the Zhabdrung died in 1651. Again, it was here that the first hereditary Monarch of Bhutan, King Ugyen Wangchuck, was enthroned just over one hundred years ago, on 17th December 1907. Punakha served as the winter capital of the Kingdom until 1955, (after which the capital moved to Thimphu) and Punakha Dzong continues to be the winter residence of the Central Monastic Authority (CMA) the main monk body of the Drukpa Kagyu School.
Title
Zhabdrung Zednam. Punakha Tsechu: Day Three, the final day [Close shot] [electronic resource].
Imprint
2005.
Country of producing entity
Bhutan.
Series
Bhutan Dance Project, Core of Culture.
Access
Open.
Event
Videotaped in performance at the main courtyard, Punakha Dzong, in Punakha, Bhutan (camera level with dancers), on Feb. 20, 2005.
Biography
Pungthang Dechen Phodrang Dzong (The Palace of Great Bliss) in Punakha was constructed by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1637-38 and is of great historical significance. Located on a stretch of land where two rivers, the Phochu and Mochu, coverage, the Dzong appears as great anchored ship. It was here that the Zhabdrung died in 1651. Again, it was here that the first hereditary Monarch of Bhutan, King Ugyen Wangchuck, was enthroned just over one hundred years ago, on 17th December 1907. Punakha served as the winter capital of the Kingdom until 1955, (after which the capital moved to Thimphu) and Punakha Dzong continues to be the winter residence of the Central Monastic Authority (CMA) the main monk body of the Drukpa Kagyu School.