Zhabdrung Kuchoe

Shabdrung Kuchoe marks the passing of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal at Punakha Dzong in 1651, corresponding to the tenth day of the fourth month as per Bhutanese Lunar Calendar. Shabdrung (also Zhabdrung 1594 -1651) is the most important tulku lineage in Bhutan, similar in many ways to the Dalai Lama lineage of Tibet. Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal was the first person to unify the warring valley kingdoms under a single rule. In Bhutan, Shabdrung is revered as the third most important personality behind Guru Rimpoche and the Sakyamuni Buddha. During this national holiday, Bhutanese visit temples/monasteries where prayers ceremonies are held.