The Sumtrhang Kangöl, a sacred annual ritual deeply rooted in Bhutanese history and culture, has long been a significant spiritual and communal event in Sumtrhang. However, due to various challenges, including the substantial errors in liturgical text and the decline in traditional dance performances, the Kangöl had not been performed in its full glory for nearly 29 years.

Recognizing the urgency of reviving this important tradition, Dungzin Sonam Nyenda, along with his dedicated gomchens and community members, took the initiative to restore the lost elements of the Kangöl, ensuring its continuity for future generations.

Sumtrhang is Bhutan’s earliest monastic center devoted to the Vajrakila practice, a sacred Buddhist tantric tradition that originated in the early 13th century under the founder Nyöton Trulzhig Chöje. His commentary, Gsang rgyud kyi grel pa gnyo ston bde mchog bdag gi khyad chos, stands among the country’s earliest written works and the first on Vajrakila.

This Kama-lineage practice was later enriched in the 15th century by the 8th Sumtrhang Chöje Pelden Zangpo, who composed the Tsawa Sorzhag and Kangsol liturgy, reaffirming Sumtrhang’s original teachings. Over time, the monastery also absorbed elements of Ratna Lingpa’s Sangkhop Phurpa tradition, ensuring the living continuity of its tantric heritage within Bhutan’s central monastic body.

After the passing of the late Sumtrhang Chöje, Dungzin Sonam Nyenda assumed responsibility for leading the annual Vajrakila rituals and sought to preserve the lineage’s authenticity. With the support of the Vice-Principal of Pangrizampa College, he requested His Eminence Dorji Lopen Rinpoche, Bhutan’s second-highest spiritual leader, to bestow the Vajrakila empowerment and transmission.

The ceremony, held at Pangrizampa College due to scheduling constraints, brought together principals, teachers, and students who prepared elaborate mandalas under Rinpoche’s personal supervision. On the sacred 9th and 10th days of the Sagadawa month, the empowerment was conferred before hundreds of devotees, marking a historic moment in reaffirming Sumtrhang’s unbroken Vajrakila lineage and spiritual revival.

The Tshamkhang Project, initiated by the Druk Nyo Foundation under the guidance of His Holiness Drikung Chetsang Rinpoche, aimed to establish meditation cabins and essential facilities at Sumtrhang Samdrup Chödzong to support the practitioners' retreat needs.

This comprehensive effort included the construction of meditation cabins, fencing, the procurement of interior furnishings, and community engagement activities. The project specifications, including design and drawings aligned with His Holiness's instructions, insulation, and overall project costs, were agreed upon during His Holiness's visit to Sumthrang in 2023.

This agreement was made between His Holiness, Sonam Tashi of Tashi Deling Construction, and Samten Yeshi. Between 2023 and 2024, four retreat cabins were constructed, and this year marks the full-scale completion of the remaining cabins and finishing works.

Dungzin Sonam Nyenda, despite managing three major projects with various activities that require strict adherence to deadlines, prioritized the tsamkhang project. He has been present on the construction site daily to monitor progress, unless his presence is urgently required for other projects or temple functions.

In addition, Sumtrhang gomchens were instrumental in extending the labor works, collecting firewood for His Holiness, final preparation, and other unaccounted works.

Drupe Gyalmo empowerment was bestowed by His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon, accompanied by the public blessing of Naropa’s feeding bowl skull cup — a rare and spiritually significant event.

His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon undertook a three-year retreat at Sumtrhang Dorji Nakre Drupday, reinforcing the monastery’s importance as a center for deep spiritual practice and retreat tradition.