Wangdue
As you enter this town you will most
probably be told the following story: About a decade ago a Japanese childless
couple came to this place. Desperate for the love of a child of their own they
decided to visit the town’s temple. This temple was locally known for its
resident: ‘The Divine Madman’ and his fertile horn. The story naturally ends
with the happy news that the couple bared a child about a year later and named
it after the ‘Divine Madman’. Keeping this in mind, you’ll find more
understanding for the uncountable male genitals drawn on all the houses, carved
in wood and made into souvenirs.
The town of Wangdue evolves for the
majority around this temple; it’s main attraction. But even those who don’t
have any fertility issues can pass an animated day here.
First of all there is the walk towards the
temple that leads you through the village and through the fields. Here the
locals cultivate numerous kinds of rice resulting into a beautiful colour
pallet. When you arrive by the temple of fertility you can rest under a magnificent
tree looking down onto the valley (yes, this temple is also built on a small
hill). Inside the temple you can see the different relics related to the
“Divine Madman” and if needed or wanted you can also stroke his magic horn. I
do warn you, this is not a temple for the prude.
Secondly, Wangdue has an archery training
area. If you are lucky you might see a match of this typical Bhutanese
heritage. It is very impressive how the competitors shoot their arrow from a
distance of over 100m. When a shooter scores his teammates do a little dance a
sing a little song, all in good fun. It may take a while to actually understand
the rules of the game, but it’s a pleasure just watch al the smiles and laughter
during a friendly battle.
In September Wangdue has their Wangdue
Phodrang Tshechue (festival) with complementary carnival. Unlike in other towns
this festival does not take place in the Dzong, due to its destruction by fire
in 2012. Until they have a new Dzong the festivals are held on the training fields of the Bhutanese army, where they construct a carnival/marketplace.
Punakha
Not far from Wangdue is the village of
Punakha with its crown jewel. It lies right on the confluence of a male and
female river, which flow together into one unity, apparently creating a create
place for the adventurous souls willing to risk a rafting trip. Honestly these
are the only really mentionable things to do here. But the Dzong is so
beautiful that I thought it deserved it’s own chapter.
As Punakha used to be the countries
capital, their Dzong has been created accordingly. The current king and queen
even had there wedding here. In the Buddhist world the temple is famous for its
“self-made” statue of Avalokiteśvara, the boddhisivata of compassion. However
you can only see the actual statue when it is revealed on the annual festival
in February/March.
Stay tuned for a whole new destination..
Lots of love,
Tweenie xo
