Sangay Zangmo

The Kharam Festival

Chali Village, Mongar District, Bhutan

The Kharam festival is a unique and culturally significant event celebrated in Chali village, Mongar district, Bhutan. This festival is deeply rooted in the spiritual and communal traditions of the Chali village. The central feature of the Kharam festival is the erection of a structure prominently marked by a phallus symbol, which serves as a protective emblem meant to ward off evil influences and negative energies. The phallus is constructed from a specific tree known locally as Robtangsing (scientifically called Rhus chinensis), which holds particular cultural and symbolic significance for the community.

The festival is accompanied by chanting and various rituals performed by community members, which further emphasize its spiritual and protective aspects. These rituals are essential in maintaining the cultural fabric of the village, but with the passage of time, younger generations have become less familiar with the deeper meanings and practices associated with the Kharam festival.

Sangay Zangmo, a native of Chali village, has taken the initiative to document the significance of Kharam festival for future generation.

These dishes are chewed and burnt in embers to produce smoke as the smoke is believed to be an offering to evil spirits.

These dishes are chewed and burnt in embers to produce smoke as the smoke is believed to be an offering to evil spirits.

Unlike other trees, the wood of the rhuschiensis tree produces sparks when burnt. The sparks are believed to protect against negativity and curses.

Unlike other trees, the wood of the rhuschiensis tree produces sparks when burnt. The sparks are believed to protect against negativity and curses.

The erecting of wooden phalluses in fields is believed to ward off evil eyes and curses. It is also believed to protect crops from pests and weeds therefore ensuring a good harvest.

The erecting of wooden phalluses in fields is believed to ward off evil eyes and curses. It is also believed to protect crops from pests and weeds therefore ensuring a good harvest.

The rhuschiensis tree has to be carried with its bark to prevent rashes caused by the sap that emerges from the wood if the bark is removed.

The rhuschiensis tree has to be carried with its bark to prevent rashes caused by the sap that emerges from the wood if the bark is removed.

The carving of the wooden phallus is imbued with the power to ward off evil spirits and malicious gossip.

The carving of the wooden phallus is imbued with the power to ward off evil spirits and malicious gossip.

One cup is left empty, so that it can be filled after reaching the destination then later disposed.

One cup is left empty, so that it can be filled after reaching the destination then later disposed.

A phallus is tied and fixed to a pole and placed in front of the house or field.

A phallus is tied and fixed to a pole and placed in front of the house or field.

Chillies are hung with phalluses to overcome bad curses.

Chillies are hung with phalluses to overcome bad curses.

Archery is the national game of Bhutan. Matches are often friendly and played for fun and entertainment.

Archery is the national game of Bhutan. Matches are often friendly and played for fun and entertainment.