The Zhabdrung’s “army” consisted of eight local militia. At the drubchen there are just 17 pazaps or warriors in each of the squads, for a total of 136, and each squad has a general. Only men belonging to the Wang Tshochengye – the eight great clans or geogs situated within the boundaries of the Thimphu and Punakha regions-can play the role of a pazap.
Pazaps
Pazap General
Pazap Footwear
The pazaps gather before the drumchoe begins; each squad setting up its own camp.
Pazap Encampment outside dzong
Pazaps’ horses grazing outside dzong
Pazaps dancing
Pazaps Dancing in Dzong Courtyard
Upon the completion of this dance, they all sat down in two sets of facing rows. A monk then read a long document which I assume had something to do with their obligations, a mixture of rules and goals that included a pep talk since at various times the warriors would whoop it up. At the end, the pazaps pledged an oath of allegiance.
Pazaps listening to their charge
Then it was time to inspect the troops. Among the dignitaries doing the inspection were the local member of parliament, district manager, and other high ranking officials.
Inspecting the Troops
When the formal ceremonies were complete, a prolonged photo op began. Each group got its chance to be photographed with the dignitaries, starting with the generals.
Generals and Dignitaries at Photo Op