With its lofty five-storeyed central tower, Haa Dzong looms large. Built in 1895, Wangchuck Lo Dzong, as it is formally known, was rebuilt in 1915 after it was destroyed by a fire. The whitewashed walls create the perfect backdrop for the intricately designed wooden balconies and colourful artwork. "The Bhutanese word 'dzong' translates to 'fortress' or 'castle'," says guide Tshewang Phunstso. The majestic dzongs serve as the religious, military, administrative, and social centres of their district.
Traditionally built on strategic locations like hilltops or the confluence of rivers to provide natural defence and command views of the surrounding areas, dzong architecture is massive in style: the walls embrace a veritable maze—courtyards, temples, corridors, offices, classrooms, and accommodation for monks. Bhutanese dzong architecture reached its apogee in the 17th century under Ngawang Namgyal, the 1st Zhabdrung Rinpoche, who is said to have relied on visions and omens to site each of the dzongs. In 1629, he built the Simtokha Dzong, the oldest surviving dzong in Bhutan.
This story is from the December 29, 2024 edition of The New Indian Express Kozhikode.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 29, 2024 edition of The New Indian Express Kozhikode.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
C'garh to develop marine fossil park at 280-mn-yr old site
CHHATTISGARH'S Manendragarh district is poised to attract history enthusiasts and geologists with the discovery of a 280-million-year-old marine fossil site along the Hasdeo river.
From Sharada Braille to digi games, Zendalona sparks tech inclusivity
IN Kerala, the percentage of people with visual disability stands at around 0.1%. With inclusivity being a major factor discussed across all sectors in the state, Zendalona -- a non-governmental organisation founded by K Sathyaseelan and his son Nalin Sathyan -- strides towards making it a reality in the field of technology.
MP sits on hunger strike to resolve MCH medicine crisis
Suppliers had ceased deliveries over unpaid arrears of approx ₹90 cr
P V Anvar Urges Cong and Allies to Induct TMC Unit into UDF
FORMER Nilambur MLA P V Anvar has written to the Congress and other parties in the UDF requesting to induct the Kerala unit of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) into the front.
Int'l Children's Summit on Zero-Waste Mgmt Concludes
THE TWO-DAY International Children's Summit on Zero-Waste Management, organised by the Kudumbashree Mission, ended on a high note on Sunday with the adoption of the Thiruvananthapuram Declaration.
To the Viktor Go the Spoils
World No 5 thrilled to return to winning ways after capturing men's singles crown on Sunday
Suspected Bangladeshi national held in Saif attack case
MUMBAI police on Sunday arrested Shariful Islam Shehzad, a suspected Bangladeshi national, in connection with the attack on actor Saif Ali Khan.
KaWaCHaM WEATHER ALERT SYSTEM TO BE COMMISSIONED TOMORROW
Testing from 5pm
Champions Trophy snub: KCA blames Sanju for skipping Vijay Hazare preparatory camp
EVEN as fans are livid over the omission of Sanju Samson from India's Champions Trophy squad, the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) seems to be striving to buck the popular sentiment.
Rehab centre for women & kids remains a non-starter
It has been two years since the excise department received clearance for a dedicated de-addiction centre for women and children in Ernakulam district, but the project remains a non-starter.
