It is said
that when the Black Necked cranes arrive from Tibet in late October, they
circle above the Gangtey monastery three times as if practicing kora, the meditative ritual of circling
around a sacred site or building. Their arrival in Phobjikha is celebrated each
November with a huge, colorful festival to honor the endangered bird; a
legendary symbol venerated throughout Bhutanese folklore, music, dance and art.
Known locally as Thrung Thrung Karm, the
birds are a revered Buddhist symbol for peace and longevity. Shrouded in
mysticism, the sacred cranes are celebrated as messengers from the heavens; if
seen flying above their fields, local farmers rejoice it as the sign of a good
harvest; others believe they are carrying the souls of deceased lamas back to
Gangtey monastery to pay their respects. Something about these tall, sleek
birds has enchanted humans for centuries. Only when you see the cranes with
your own eyes will you understand. 
