Donation: With new sets of Bhutanese designed tables and chairs, people using the Thimphu crematorium will not have to worry about borrowing these items and bringing them all the way to the crematorium anymore.

Yarkay Construction donated 30 tables, 10 chairs (benches) and two new deep freezers worth Nu 400,000 to the crematorium yesterday. Yarkay Construction is also donating another 100 chairs and two deep freezers.

Yarkay Construction’s managing director, Phub Zam, said there is a great need for these items at the crematorium. “We hope to contribute such facilities in the future as well. Now people don’t have to worry about not having enough tables, chairs or deep freezers, which will be provided for free.”

The manager of the crematorium from the Zhung Dratshang, Lam Dorji Tshering, said the items are much needed since some face difficulty in finding such items. “We are grateful for their generous contribution and help. It will make a lot of difference for many people,” he said.

While such donations are rare, people have come forward and helped provide better facilities such as water and kitchen items at the crematorium, Lam Dorji Tshering said. “I plan to seek more donations to buy tents so that people don’t have to borrow it either. If I can do that, all the services to put up and dismantle the tents will be provided for free.”

Today, there are five rooms that accommodate people visiting the crematorium. Of seven old deep freezers, only five are in working condition.

All the prayers and ceremonies are conducted for free by the Zhung Dratshang.

Around 160 to 170 dead bodies are cremated at the crematorium every month with thousands also visiting.

Thinley Zangmo