11/04/2017
https://www.facebook.com/YellowBhutan/posts/1423933750996295:0
"I have been serving as the Head Atsara at the Paro Tshechu for 35 years. The head Atsara is always from the Dopshari region of Paro. The Atsara at the Paro Tshechu has unique duties in addition to the usual role of Atsaras in other dzongkhags.
We begin by performing a Cham (dance) at the Dzong before the Tshechu begins.
It is also the Atsaras who foretell what kind of harvest the valley will have in the following year, and how the general health and wellbeing of the inhabitants will be.
When the Tshechu begins, the Atsaras inspect the lunch that those attending the Tshechu have brought with them. If the food is rich and plentiful, it indicates that the people of Paro will enjoy a good harvest.
Our masks have been used by those serving as the Astaras for generations, and are kept at the Dzong. When we receive the masks from the altars before the Tshechu, we must see if the masks are clean and free of dust. This indicates that the people of Paro will enjoy good health and prosperity.
The Atsaras also receive blessings (Wang) from the head Lama presiding over the Tshechu, and confer the Wang to the public gathered here. It is believed that the Atsaras of ancient times visit the sacred ground of the Tshechu during the auspicious time of the festival, and those that are clear of spirit can see them.
On the final day of the Tshechu, the Head Atsara wears a Kira, to offer respects to the Tshomem (mermaid) who is believed to reside in a lake underneath the Paro Dzong. It is believed that on the auspicious day when the Thongdrol is unfurled, the Tshomem also visits the grounds.
The Paro Tshechu is a sacred event, and there are many traditions we follow that has remained unchanged for centuries. The role of the Atsaras during the Paro Tshechu is a very important one."
- Kinley, 55, Head Atsara at the Paro Tshechu
The Paro Tshechu is held annually at the Paro Rinpung Dzong and the grounds adjacent to the Dzong, for five days, beginning from the 10th day of the 2nd month in the Bhutanese Calendar. This year, the Tshechu began on 7th April and concluded on the 11th, with the display of the Guru Thongdrol. Thousands of people from across the region visit the Paro Tshechu every year. It is also a major tourist attraction.
