Misplaced Pages

#228771

42-777: Punakha Dzong was the administrative center and the seat of the Government of Bhutan until 1955 when the capital was moved to Thimphu . It is listed as a tentative site in Bhutan's Tentative List for UNESCO inclusion. The Dzong is located between the Pho Chhu (Male) and Mo Chhu (Female) river in the Punakha–;valley. The source of the Mo chu river is in the northern hills of Lighsi and Laya in Bhutan, and in Tibet . The Po Chu River

84-535: A constitutional monarchy since 18 July 2008. The King of Bhutan is the head of state . The executive power is exercised by the Lhengye Zhungtshog , or council of ministers, headed by the Prime Minister . Legislative power is vested in the bicameral Parliament , both the upper house, National Council , and the lower house, National Assembly . A royal edict issued on April 22, 2007 lifted

126-618: A government consisting of three main branches – executive, legislative, and judicial – plus the de facto apolitical Dratshang Lhentshog (Monastic Affairs Commission) of the Drukpa Kagyu state religion. The secular and religious branches of government are unified in the person of the Druk Gyalpo (King of Bhutan). The trichotomy of secular government is not absolute. There are many independent commissions, agencies, and institutions that operate outside this general framework, such as

168-588: A mound of stones and a chapel dedicated to the queen of the nāgas . The residential quarters of monks are located in the second courtyard, with the utse intervening in between the first and the second courtyards. There are two historic halls in this courtyard; one of Ugyen Wangchuck, who subsequently became the King and another hall where the King was decorated in 1905 with the Order of the Knight Commander of

210-534: A new wooden cantilever bridge in the traditional style, with a free span of 55 m (180 ft). It was completed in 2008. In 2008, after completion of the cantilever bridge, the new bridge was hailed as a celebration of "100 years of Wangchuck Monarchy in 2008 and to the coronation of His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in the Punakha Dzong". Thus, the Dzong has been the venue for coronation of all

252-645: A year here. The 7th Dalai Lama donated the brass roof for the dzong. The House of Wangchuck currently rules the country. This monarchy was established in 1907. The same year, Punakha Dzong was the site of the coronation of Sir Ugyen Wangchuck as the first Druk Gyalpo . At that time, Punakha was the capital of Bhutan. Three years later, a treaty was signed at Punakha whereby the British agreed not to interfere in Bhutanese internal affairs and Bhutan allowed Britain to direct its foreign affairs. From 1744 to 1763,

294-656: Is displayed during the festival. During this five-day festival, also known as Punakha festival, held in February/March, there are some very impressive displays. The important display is a re-enactment of the Tibetan invasion of Bhutan in 1639 where the Tibetans were defeated. In this theatrical display, which was conceived by the Zhabdrung, a mock throwing of a relic to the Mo chu river is dramatized. The final day of

336-642: Is fed by glaciers in the Lunana region of the Punakha valley. After the confluence of these two rivers, the main river is known as Puna Tsang chu or Sankosh River and flows down through Wangdue Phodrang , crosses the Bhutan–;India border at Kalikhola and eventually meets the Brahmaputra River . In view of the healthy climate in the region, Punakha is the winter capital of Bhutan. The head of

378-409: Is the Druk Gyalpo ("Dragon King"). Although his title is hereditary, he must retire by age 65, and he can be removed by a two-thirds majority vote by the parliament followed by a national referendum, which must pass by a simple majority in all twenty districts of the country. Prior to 2008, a similar abdication process existed under which the unicameral National Assembly, or Tshogdu could force

420-710: The Constitution of 2008 , the Judicial branch consists of the Supreme Court , the High Court , and twenty Dzongkhag Courts . For thirteen dungkhag jurisdictions in six Dzongkhags , Dungkhag Courts are the courts of first instance. In all jurisdictions outside dungkhags , the Dzongkhag Courts are the civil and criminal courts of first instance. The High Court is the first court of appeal, and

462-475: The Indian Empire by John Claude White. The third courtyard is at the southernmost end of the dzong where the remains of Pema Lingpa and Ngawang Namgyal are preserved. Machey Lakhang ('machey' literally means "sacred embalmed body") in the third courtyard has the well preserved embalmed body of Zhabdrung. This Lakhang was rebuilt in 1995. The casket containing the embalmed body is not opened at all. However,

SECTION 10

#1732780928229

504-720: The Royal Monetary Authority and Election Commission. There are also agencies whose members are drawn from more than one branch of government, such as the Judicial Commission. In addition, there are several ministries within the cabinet executive branch, such as the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs , which in turn delegate powers to subsidiary departments according to legislation by the legislative branch. The legislative branch itself oversees devolved local governments . Bhutan's head of state

546-453: The dzongkhag Drangpon (District Judge). Bhutan has not accepted compulsory International Court of Justice jurisdiction . Bhutan is divided in 20 districts ( dzongkhag , singular and plural); Bumthang , Chukha , Dagana , Gasa , Ha , Lhuntse , Mongar , Paro , Pemagatshel , Punakha , Samdrup Jongkhar , Samtse , Sarpang , Thimphu , Trashirang , Trashiyangtse , Trongsa , Tsirang , Wangdue Phodrang , and Zhemgang . Bhutan

588-553: The "Rabney ceremony" performed by the Je Khenpo and the monks of the Dratshang (central monk body) was held from May 13 to 15, 2004, corresponding to the 12th to 14th day of the third Bhutanese month. The restoration works were largely funded by the Government of India and the Dzong stands fully restored to its past glory. After complete restoration of the Dzong to its old glory, notable images, statues and thangkas are displayed in

630-488: The 1910 Treaty of Punakha . However, due to the policy of self-imposed isolationism, the effect of the treaty was limited to an extent. After Indian independence in 1949, Bhutan and India agreed to a ten-article, perpetual treaty which effectively continued the relationship, but with India replacing the United Kingdom. India agreed not to interfere in Bhutan's internal relations, while Bhutan agreed "to be guided by

672-402: The Dzong consisted of compacted earth, stones and timber in doors and windows. The dzong was constructed as an "embodiment of Buddhist values" and was one of the 16 dzongs built by the Zhabdrung during his rule from 1594 to 1651. The dzong measures 180 m (590 ft) in length with a width of 72 m (236 ft) and has three docheys (courtyards). The defensive fortifications built in

714-498: The Dzong. These include murals depicting life story of Buddha done during the rule of the second druk desi. Large gilded statues of Buddha, Guru Rinpoche and Zhabdrung which belong to mid 18th century, and gilded panels on pillars are also here. A covered wooden cantilever bridge crossing the Mo Chu river was built together with the Dzong in the 17th century. This bridge was washed away by a flash flood in 1957. In 2006, work started on

756-654: The Election Commission, an independent government regulatory agency. Candidates for most elections and appointments in Bhutan must be non-partisan; however, political parties may slate candidates for seats in the National Assembly . The party that wins the most seats nominates the Prime Minister . The first Prime Minister, Jigme Thinley , was a member of the Bhutan Peace and Prosperity Party . The second Prime Minister, Tshering Tobgay, heads

798-644: The People's Democratic Party. The current Prime Minister, Dr. Lotay Tshering, heads the Druk Nyamrup Tshongpa. Political pressure groups include the Buddhist clergy; ethnic Nepalese organizations leading militant anti-government campaign; Indian merchant community and the exiled United Front for Democracy. Bhutan's legal system is based on codes established by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 17th century and influenced by Anglo-Indian common law . Under

840-695: The Supreme Court is the court of final appeal. The Supreme Court also has original jurisdiction over Constitutional questions and matters of national importance referred by the King . Judges of the Supreme and High courts are appointed by the King. Before 2008 in the Bhutanese judicial system , the monarch was the final court of appeal (the "Supreme Court of Appeal"), and local government officials adjudicated minor crimes. The Royal High Court of Bhutan

882-412: The accused. If this happens quickly, the sentencing may be lenient. If culpability is obvious but the accused refuses to admit to it, the sentence may be correspondingly severe. Judges may dismiss the case for lack of proof at any time. Recent legislation defines required proof of guilt more closely, providing increased protection against trivial or mistaken charges. Minor criminal offences may be tried by

SECTION 20

#1732780928229

924-605: The advice of the Government of India in regard to its external relations" (Article 2). The treaty also established free trade and full extradition between the two countries. In February 2007, the Indo-Bhutan Friendship Treaty was substantially revised with all references to phrases such as "will be guided" deleted, thus eliminating the last lingering doubts about the sovereign and independent status of Bhutan. The Constitution of Bhutan provides for

966-430: The clergy of Bhutan with his entourage of monks spend the winter in this dzong. Jacaranda trees grow around the dzong, blooming with mauve flowers in the spring. As Punakha Dzong is located at only 1,200 meters, you will not suffer from oxygen shortages as you would in higher places such as Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest), so it is a good place for beginner hiker to start from, as you may struggle with altitude sickness in

1008-400: The dzong to protect it from enemy attacks consist of a steep wooden draw stairway and a heavy wooden door that is closed at night. After the dzong suffered damage due to a fire, a large prayer hall was added in 1986. Administrative offices of the dzong, a very large, white-washed stupa and a bodhi tree are located in the first courtyard. Also seen in the same courtyard, on the far left, are

1050-431: The dzong was enlarged substantially during the rule of the 13th desi, when Sherab Wangchuk was the chief abbot of Bhutan. Several fires between 1750 and 1849 caused damages to the Dzong. In the 1897 earthquake, the dzong was severely damaged and also suffered numerous fires. In 1986, the dzong was partially destroyed by fire The wedding of the Druk Gyalpo , Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck , and his fiancée, Jetsun Pema ,

1092-421: The festival marks the display of an image of Zhabdrung followed by a group dance performance by 136 people, dressed as warriors, in the main courtyard. At the end of the performance, the dancers descend down the front entrance of the dzong in revelry – whistling and shouting. The Monks led by the Je Khenpo of the Dzong then parade to the Mo chu river bank with lot of fan fare. Je Khenpo then flings oranges into

1134-574: The first few days. Punakha is also the center of Bhutan's second longest suspension bridge (Punakha Suspension Bridge) and is about 7.5 km (4.5 miles) by car to Chimi Lhakhang , the Divine Madman's fertility temple. Legend tells how Zowe Palep, the architect, had a vision in a dream after the Zhabdrung ordered him to sleep under a small structure which contained a statue of the Buddha, known as Dzong Chug "small dzong". In his dream, prompted by

1176-528: The first leader of a unified Bhutan, following his concerted efforts to unify the country into one unit. The dzong was consecrated in the name of Pungthang Dechen Phodrang. In 1639, a commemorative chapel was erected to house the arms seized from the Tibetans who were defeated by the Bhutanese on this spot. The Zhabdrung also set up a monastic order with 600 monks (brought from Cheri Gompa of upper Thimphu valley) and he lived here till his death. The spire at

1218-477: The king to abdicate. The Je Khenpo is the highest religious official of Bhutan and head of the Dratshang Lhentshog (Monastic Affairs Commission). He is typically viewed as the closest and most powerful advisor to the King of Bhutan . The 70th and present Je Khenpo is Jigme Chhoeda . Bhutan's head of government is its Prime Minister . The Prime Minister is nominated by the party that wins

1260-421: The kings of Bhutan. A memorial honouring the 23 people who died in the dzong in the glacial floods in 1994 has also been erected just outside the dzong. Domche is the annual festival held at the Dzong, which is largely attended by people from all villages and far places of the district. The ranghung "self-created" image of Avalokiteśvara enshrined in the utse of the dzong (brought by the Zhabdrung from Tibet)

1302-429: The legislative branch was the unicameral Tshogdu . The Tshogdu had 150 members, 106 members elected at various dates for a three-year term in single-seat constituencies , 34 appointed members and 10 representatives of the monastic body. Suffrage in Bhutan at that time was unique in that each family unit, rather than individual, had one vote. In Bhutan, political parties , elections, and referendums are overseen by

Punakha Dzong - Misplaced Pages Continue

1344-499: The monarch, elected by the National Assembly. The members served fixed, five-year terms. There was also a Royal Advisory Council ( Lodoi Tsokde ), members nominated by the monarch. Bhutan elects its legislative branch through universal suffrage under the Constitution of 2008 . The Bhutanese parliament is bicameral, consisting of a National Council (upper house) and a National Assembly (lower house). Prior to 2008,

1386-490: The most seats in the National Assembly and heads the executive cabinet, called the Lhengye Zhungtshog (Council of Ministers). In 1998, the monarch's executive powers were transferred to the Council of Ministers, or Lhengye Zhungtshog (cabinet). At the time, candidates for the Council of Ministers were elected by the National Assembly for a fixed five-year term and had to be a part of the legislative assembly. The cabinet

1428-462: The place is visited by the King and the Je Khenpo mainly to seek blessings before assuming their offices. Flash floods resulting from glacial lake outburst flooding in the upper reaches of the valley, are a common occurrence in the Mo Chu and Pho Chu rivers, and in the past caused flooding and damage to the dzong, especially in 1957, 1960 and 1994. Fires and earthquakes have also further added to

1470-448: The previous ban on political parties in anticipation of the National Assembly elections in the following year. In 2008, Bhutan adopted its first modern Constitution , codifying the institutions of government and the legal framework for a democratic multi-party system . The Economist Intelligence Unit rated Bhutan a " hybrid regime " in 2022. Bhutanese external relations and foreign policies were put under British control following

1512-481: The problem. In 1996, flash floods in the Pho Chu river damaged the large stupa and caused several deaths. After a major refurbishing work carried out in the "zorig chusum tradition" (an ancient tradition of crafts in wood carving, masonry, metal work, painting, and several other skills), the Dzong now has several new Lhakhangs, over 200 new religious images, and several other treasures. A consecration ceremony known as

1554-509: The psychic powers of the Zhabdrung, he had a clear vision of a palace for Guru Rinpoche. The vision was imprinted on the architect's mind, enabling him to conceive the plan for the dzong without putting the vision on paper and to build it. On the basis of the dream vision of the architect, the building of the dzong was started in 1637 and completed in 1638, at the place where the Dzong Chug had existed. During this period, Ngawang Namgyal became

1596-610: The river marking the Rangjung Kharsapani , which is considered an offering to the nāgas residing below the river bed. After this act, the traditional mask dances commemorating the construction of the Dzong are performed in the Dzong premises. Another ritual observed every year at this dzong is called the Lhenkey Dungchhur , and is a worship for departed souls. Politics of Bhutan Parliament Judiciary The Government of Bhutan has been

1638-523: The top of the utse (the dzong's central tower or the main tower) was added in 1676 by Gyaltsen Tenzin Rabgye–;the abbot of the dzong. Further additions were made during the period 1744 to 1763, when Sherab Wangchuk was the ruler. A large thangka known as chenma (great) thoundral of the Zhabdrung was donated to the Dzong by the Desi (ruler). This thangka is displayed during the tshechu held once

1680-432: Was headed by the Prime Minister , who was the head of government . The post of Prime Minister rotated each year between the five candidates who secured the highest number of votes. The 2005 draft Constitution of Bhutan included provision for a two-party democratic system that was unveiled after four years of preparation. Previously, the candidates to the cabinet Council of Ministers ( Lhengye Zhungtshog ) were nominated by

1722-547: Was held at the Punakha Dzong on 13 October 2011. The dzong is part of the Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism in Bhutan. It is the second oldest and most majestic dzong in Bhutan built at the orders of Ngawang Namgyal. It is a six-storied structure with a central tower or utse at an average elevation of 1,200 m (3,900 ft) with a scenic, mountainous background. The materials used in building

Punakha Dzong - Misplaced Pages Continue

1764-578: Was the highest court in the country and had original jurisdiction over the twenty districts of the nation. Judicial appointments were made by the monarch, and could be recalled by him at any time. The criminal justice system is based on trial before a panel of judges, and therefore resembles more the Napoleonic than the British or American adversarial systems. The prosecutor, a government employee, seeks to obtain an acknowledgement of culpability from

#228771