3.2 HERITAGE ASSETS
Heritage assets provide the inhabitants with both passive, as well as spiritual, forms of recreation. They are special as they offer peace and serene ambience.
Every culture and every society has its iconography, its signs and symbols. Bhutan has a unique style of architecture, which is reflected in the various structures, may it be monumental or a simple residence. To study the Bhutanese culture and way of life, it becomes important to assess the present scenario of the heritage structures, which are an integral part of this religious and traditional society.
Gelephu, although not blessed with exceptional heritage sites, as Thimphu or Paro, has quite a few religious structures which add meaning to the daily life of the citizens. Heritage sites are not built overnight but it is a constant effort of centuries together that make them. Perhaps Gelephu being too young a town needs some period to ripen and gleam. The existing heritage sites and structures in the town are identified and classified on the basis of their religious or secular character.
(Du 1) : Gelephu Dungkhag Office
(D 1) : Gelephu Rabdey Dratshang
(D 2) : Nimalung Dratshang
(L 1) : Tarpoling Guru Lhakhang
(L 2) : Tsewang Goempa
In addition to this, the proposal of a Stupa of 300 feet height and 700 feet diameter surrounded by 1000 Desheg Chortens at Fulahari is a potential heritage monument. His Holiness Je Khenpo has visited this place thrice and has performed sacred rituals.
The prayer wheel on Norkhil Lam acts as a meeting point for the town core dwellers. The prayer flags at specific locations add to the essence of the space making it more dynamic. There also exists a Hindu Temple near the truck parking area.
