Tshechu, Business and Gambling –A New Cultural Evolution

Lingmithang Tshechu, Mongar

Tshechu is a grant religious event performed in many different parts of the country in different times. During the Tshechus, various mask dances are performed by the monks, Gomchens and locals with the purpose to receive blessings, gain merit and washed away sins. According to some history, Tshechus were existed since 7^th century during the time of Ugyen Guru Rinpoche to mainly teach Mahayana Buddhism in a form of demonstration. in such occasions, it also gives opportunity for Bhutanese to showcase some of the most beautiful Bhutanese arts and paintings during Tshechus.  
                                 

Business at L\thang Tshechu, Mongar

Well, Tshechu doesn't end with one sole purpose, there are some other events being organized along with Tshechus. Especially in the east, since there are lots of Gomdeys, Tshechus are common in every village.Simple small businesses are being set up in every Tshechus to get advantage of huge gathering. In some occasion, there are hundreds of business stalls being set up and captured the crowed more than the Tshechu. I have also seen, some Tshechu Grounds are left almost empty because people are more interested in other entertainment like games and fun events.  

At Mongar Tshechu, 2012

Now, the serious one seems to be the gambling. Though it is not considered as gambling legally, I came across lot of people during Tshechu who lost lot of money in playing. Some even lost over hundred thousand.  During Mongar Tshechu Last year, I came across group of tourists who asked me about banned of Gambling in Bhutan. One of the tourists told me, how can they do open gambling when it is banned legally. I didn’t have words to say anything at instant, but later just said that we have our own definition of gambling.

My concern is neither to promote nor to restrict any of the events, but about the very principle of such events. Now the question is, is it concerning that we need to do something or we all can accept as one of the acceptable Cultural Evolution