Changyuel Galem’s House in Bhutan is a 400-year-old heritage site tied to the tragic love legend of Galem and Singye, and is now awaiting urgent restoration.
Similar to Romeo and Juliet, Singye fell in love with Galem, a beautiful young woman, and fate kept them apart. The separation is said to have broken Galem’s heart, leading to her death. Overcome with grief, Singye leapt into her funeral pyre, sealing their love story in legend and sorrow.
Galem’s house, still stands as a historic landmark, preserving the memory of the legendary lovers and their enduring romance. However, the house is now in a dilapidated state, urgently in need of renovation. The current generation of Galem lives a few meters away from the house.
The house began as a modest two-room structure with a single sliding front entrance. The building was eventually expanded outward, resulting in its current facade characterized by dual bay windows. Although these modifications altered the original layout, structural analysis confirms that the core remains the only surviving example of this specific early vernacular style in the country.
Restoration was delayed due to the search for a contractor with the expertise needed for heritage restoration. Although a chain-link fence has been installed around the structure as a temporary measure, residents fear that any further delay could lead to its collapse, as the house is already visibly tilted. The rammed earth walls of the structure show significant damage and deterioration.
Eventually, the ground floor will feature a courtyard and a cafeteria for visitors, while the middle floor will include a balcony designed for storytelling, photography, and exhibitions. The top floor will preserve traditional living spaces, maintaining the cultural essence of the house.
You can read the original article at www.dailybhutan.com