Death Anniversary of Zhabdrung (Zhabdrung Kuchoe) in Bhutan ― Date, History, and Details
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History of Death Anniversary of Zhabdrung (Zhabdrung Kuchoe) in Bhutan and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
The Zhabdrung Kuchoe is the death anniversary of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of Bhutan. It is observed on the tenth day of the fifth month of the Bhutanese calendar.
Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal was born in 1594 in the Tibetan town of Ralung. He was the son of a high-ranking Tibetan official. In 1616, he entered the monastery of Ralung, where he studied under the guidance of the great lama Lobsang Tenpa.
In 1620, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal journeyed to Bhutan with the intention of establishing Buddhism in the country. He was warmly welcomed by the Bhutanese people, and soon began to gain influence.
In 1629, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal proclaimed himself the ruler of Bhutan, and began the process of unifying the country. He built a series of fortresses, known as dzongs, which served as both religious and administrative centres.
Under his rule, Bhutan flourished. He introduced a new legal code, based on Buddhist principles, and helped to spread Buddhism throughout the country.
Despite his many achievements, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal’s reign was not without problems. In 1651, he was forced to flee Bhutan when Tibetan troops invaded the country. He returned two years later, but was again forced into exile in 1657.
He finally returned to Bhutan for good in 1658, and died eight years later.
The Zhabdrung Kuchoe is observed every year on the tenth day of the fifth month of the Bhutanese calendar. On this day, Bhutanese people visit dzongs and temples to pay their respects to Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.