Lhabsang
Before you arrive at the temple, the lhabsang will already have begun. Lhabsang is a spiritual cleansing performed by monks as an offering to the local deities.

Karme
On arrival, after completing the ritual prostrations inside the temple, you will be asked to light a series of butter lamps to increase your merit and to offer light to the deities.

Thrisel
Then Thrisel ceremony will be performed by the monks under the guidance of a revered lama. This is a blessing performed with holy water that cleanses the mind, spirit and body from the defilements of ego.

Chang-phoed
Chang-phoed, is a ritual in which ara (the local wine) is blessed and offered to the deities. The ara, served in a traditional wooden phob (cup) is shared between the betrothed to symbolize the faith and commitment you are making to each other.
Ring exchange can be done here if desired.

Khadhar
Now the couple will exchange the traditional white scarves or ‘khadhars’. The white colour scarf is symbolic of the purity of heart of the giver. The scarves feature symbols of the Buddhist eight lucky signs, which are meant to bring good fortune, wealth and happiness to the receiver.

Tsepamey Choko
Tsepamey choko, performed in honour to Sangay Tsepamey, the God of longevity, is the next part of the vow renewal blessing ceremony. This is an elaborated ritual where you will both be blessed by the lama (head monk) for a prosperous, healthy and happy life together.

Zhugdrel Phensum Tshogpa
Zhugdrel Phensum Tshogpa is performed in the honour of the unifier of the Kingdom of Bhutan, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. This ceremony originated when the Zhabdrung first arrived in Punakha Valley in 1637 and hosted a meal consisting of a large variety of fruits. During the meal, special prayers dedicated to the Zhabdrung’s spiritual lineage were recited. Following this auspicious day, Zhugdrel is celebrated by consuming and offering different food and drinks to your guardian deities for blessings and prosperity.

Khadar
After the Zhugdrel ceremony, the monks and others present at the ceremony will offer khadhar (scarves) to the couple.
108 Butter lamps in a temple

If possible, we will have to light 108 butter lamps at the auspicious Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in the Kingdom. Kyichu is believed to be one of 108 temples built in a single day by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in order to subdue a demon lying across Tibet and Bhutan. However, we can also do it in any temple.
The butter lamp or karme represents the dispelling of darkness and ignorance and bringing of wisdom and compassion to our lives.
The scarves feature symbols of the Buddhist eight lucky signs, which are meant to bring good fortune, prosperity and happiness to the receiver.