Building the Legacy --II

Salem House. Happiness Kingdom Travels

Early this morning, while browsing through my Facebook news feed, I came across an interesting post from "Happiness Kingdom Travels" about a subject that has long piqued my interest—The Galem House in Punakha. 

The post offers a beautiful summary of the house, covering everything one might want to know. 

"The Galem and Singye House in Punakha is a historic landmark tied to one of Bhutan's most cherished folk tales-the story of Salem and Singye, two lovers whose tragic romance is often compared to Romeo and Juliet. The house, located near the Punakha Dzongkha, is believed to be the home of Salem, and it stands as a symbol of enduring love and devotion. Visitors can explore the traditional Bhutanese architecture of the house, which reflects the cultural heritage of the region. This site serves as a reminder of Bhutan's rich storytelling tradition and its deep connection to themes of love and loyalty".

I can't agree more on the information. However, motivated by my deep passion to preserve this historic site before it is gone forever, I quickly left a comment on the page. I have heard numerous discussions happening with different stakeholders, but time is running out as the house is decaying faster than anticipated. 

In my comment, I shared my long-held wish. "For years, I have hoped this historic house could be transformed into something special, like a museum, while maintaining its originality intact. It's more than a piece of history—it's our own Romeo and Juliet story. There's so much we can share with the world, that we have our own existence and independence."

The page admin responded me with the following lines. It's just so beautiful and informative. 

Dear Sancha, 

Our sentiments exactly! and the government is going to restore it as per the recent meet-the-press session. "And it was said that the main focus is on renovating cracks in the walls, enhancing the roofing, establishing a footpath outside the house, and installing street lights. These initiatives are currently in the final stages of preparation.  

Galem’s house serves as the backdrop for a poignant love story involving Gasa Lami Singye and Changyuel Bum Galem, a tale widely renowned throughout the country and depicted in numerous Bhutanese films.

In addition to its rich history, the altar room located on the top floor of the house is also revered as the neykhang of the deity Goen Drakpa. Goendrap is believed to be residing in Punakha during the summer and Gasa during the winter. Goendrap, from history, was supposed to bestow his blessings to those who do religious deeds. Every year, on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Bhutanese calendar, Gasa Dzongkhag offers a welcoming ritual ceremony.

On the 24th day of the 12th Month of the Bhutanese Calender, a member from the Galem’s house has to go to the Goendrap Neykhang, which is located at the other side of the MoChhu for offerings.

Before the Zhung Dratshang took over the Goendrap Neykhang, the ancestors of Galem took care of the lhakhang, but there are no records as to since when.

On the 15th day of the Third Month of the Bhutanese calendar, zhabkyel (see-off offering) has to be offered to the Goendrap when leaving for his summer residence to Gasa from Punakha.

And thank you for your lovely comment!

I have visited the Galem House several times, and each visit stirs a deep emotions. On my second visit, I felt a profound sense of melancholy, as though I was connecting with the essence of true love—a feeling that seems to be fading in today's generation. 

I get a sense that this place has the real potential to inspire future generations to value love, kindness, and humanity. 

By creatively preserving the house and adding elements that blend storytelling and leisure, we can share with the world not just the Bhutanese side of Romeo and Juliet, but also our architectural heritage and the heart of Bhutanese culture.

I am quite sure that this place with a little more creative approach, we not just harness revenue but also we can offer visitors a meaningful experience, showcasing how we have lived in a stone-age-period. And more importantly, it can teach our children about the power of 'love', family, and community bonding -values that are so authentic, pristine, fragile, rare, original and genuine. This is the way we should live and share this planet, not just by the power of guns. 

While there are stories and films about Galem and Singye, that's not enough. We need to do more to preserve this house in a better way than just leaving it as an idea, or an unfinished plan. 

If there is one thing we must embrace and pass on, it's love and care. Though time is running out, there is still a ray of hope from our Golden Throne.