Festivals in Bhutan are rich and happy expressions of its ancient Buddhist culture. These festivals are held in all districts of Bhutan in honour of Guru Rinpoche, the saint who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century. Tsechus are held on auspicious days and months in the Bhutanese calendar, and last up to four days in which a series of highly stylised masked dance rituals are performed.
Behind the scenes, the monks prepare themselves for weeks ahead of the festival, involved in deep prayer and meditation prior to the festival. The monks perform special masked dances that are inspirations of enlightened beings in history; and the Bhutanese believe that watching these mystical dances is essential to gain enlightenment.
All Bhutanese try to attend a festival at least once in a lifetime, and for many, it is an important annual affair where they consider it a blessing to be able to watch the dances. Apart from the monks, community dancers also participate in the local festivals.
The tsechus are a rich form of the oral history tradition where the Bhutanese pass on values, mythology and spiritual beliefs through the dance dramas. Many of the tsechus culminate with a rare display of a giant silk applique thangkha (painting) depicting Guru Padmasambava or some other important Buddhist deity.
People’s deep faith and devotion make these festivals a special occasion. At the same time, it is also an opportunity to join hundreds, and even thousands, of Bhutanese in taking part in an important religious and social occasion that often exudes a carnival atmosphere.
TENTATIVE FESTIVAL DATES FOR 2018
SL# |
FESTIVAL | PLACE | DATES |
1 |
Punakha Drubchen |
Punakha Dzong, Punakha |
22nd –24th Feb |
2 |
Punakha Tshechu |
Punakha Dzong, Punakha |
25th –27th Feb |
3 |
Chhorten Kora |
Chorten Kora, Trashiyangtshe |
2nd March & 17th March |
4 |
Gomphukora |
Gom Kora Lhakhang, Trashigang |
24th – 26th March |
5 |
Paro Tshechu |
Rinpung Dzong, Paro |
27th –31st March |
6 |
Ura Yakchoe |
Ura Lhakhang, Bumthang |
27th – 29th April |
7 |
Nimalung Tshechu |
Nimalung Dratshang, Chummi, Bumthang |
21st –23rd June |
8 |
Kurjey Tshechu |
Kurjey Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang |
23rd June |
9 |
Thimphu Drubchen |
Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu |
15th –18th Sept |
10 |
Wangdue Tshechu |
Tencholing Army Ground, Wangduephodrang |
17th –19th Sept |
11 |
Tamshing Phala Chhoepa |
Tamshing Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang |
19th – 21st Sept |
12 |
Thimphu Tshechu |
Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu |
19th –21st Sept |
13 |
Thangbi Mani |
Tangbi Lhakhang, Choekor, Bumthang |
23rd – 25th Sept |
14 |
Chhukha Tshechu |
Chhukha Dzong, Chhukha |
17th –19th Oct |
15 |
Jambay Lhakhang Drup |
Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang |
24th –27th Oct |
16 |
Prakhar Duchhoed |
Prakar Lhakhang, Chummi, Bumthang |
25th – 27th Oct |
17 |
Black Necked Crane Festival |
Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha, Wangduephodrang |
11th Nov |
18 |
Mongar Tshechu |
Mongar Dzong, Mongar |
16th –18th Nov |
19 |
Pemagatshel Tshechu |
Pemagatshel Dzong, Pemagatshel |
16th –18th Nov |
20 |
Trashigang Tshechu |
Trashigang Dzong, Trashigang |
17th –19th Nov |
21 |
Nalakhar Tshechu |
Ngaa Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang |
23rd –25th Nov |
22 |
Druk Wangyel Tshechu |
Dochula, Thimphu |
13th Dec |
23 |
Trongsa Tshechu |
Trongsa Dzong, Trongsa |
15th – 17th Dec |
24 |
Lhuentse Tshechu |
Lhuentse Dzong, Lhuentse |
15th – 17th Dec |