In the Kingdom of Happiness
Tang Rabney is an annual ritual commemorating the consecration of Namkhai Lakhang by Lama Namkhai Samdrup. It is performed for the peace, prosperity and wellbeing of the farmers in upper Tang Valley.
While performing the consecration ceremony of this temple, Lama Namkha Samdrup saw the Tang local deity Rinchen Gonyak, who is also the cattle deity, manifested as a yak and performed the dance in the courtyard. The two other great protective deities Gonmo (Penden Lhamo) and Yeshey Gonpo joined him. Based on this, Lama Namkha Samdrup instituted the annual event where all the villagers contribute and celebrate the event for three days.
The highlights of the festival are the dances of Yeshey Gonpo, Penden Lhamo (Gonmo), also called Gadpo and Gadmo in Tang and Rinchen Gonyak. These three deities are represented by mannequins wearing huge masks and moved by people. The yak, also simply called Dawala by the villagers, is very popular and his wooden mask has articulate jaws whose clanging is considered a blessing.
This 12 days tour offers an opportunity to attend the annual event of upper Tang community; mask dance performance is unique and typical to this region in the country. It also offers an authentic rural lifestyle experience and interacts with local people.
Our company contributes funds for the community to preserve, sustain and continue the celebration of aged old tradition. We offer this tour as a special one, giving the guest an opportunity to be part of the celebration and discover the real Bhutan Experience. The festival will be held on 2nd to 3rd December 2022 and 21st and 22nd November 2023.
