FESTIVALS OF TRADITION
Medieval Bhutan Tours

Festivals in the land of the Thunder Dragon are rich an happy expression of its ancient Buddhist culture. These festivals are held in all districts in honour of Guru Rinpoche, the saint who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8^th 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 stylized masked dance rituals performed.

Festivals are also a big family and social occasion. People dress up in their finest clothes and most resplendent jewelry of coral and turquoise. They pack picnic lunches in their traditional bamboo baskets and stay all day at the festivals which are usually held in the dzongs(fortresses) or at monasteries.

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 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 tshechu 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 tshechus culminate with a rare display of a giant silk appliqué thankha(painting)depicting Guru Padmasambhava or some 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.

Paro Tsechu is a popular tsechu in Paro district held usually in spring.

One of the largest festivals is the Thimphu Tsechu in the capital where thousands of people turn up for the four days of dances and prayer. But for visitors who prefer a more intimate experience, there are many tsechus in a smaller districts which are less crowded and where the local atmosphere is more relaxed and enjoyable. Small village festivals are the best way to get acquainted with the spirit of Bhutan.

Sl. No	FESTIVAL	PLACE	DATES
1	Punakha Drubchen	Punakha	Feb 18th – feb 22nd
2	Punakha Tshechu	Punakha	Feb 23rd – feb 25th
3	Chorten Kora	Trashiyangtse	Feb 28th – mar 15th
4	Gomkora	Trashigang	MAR 23rd – MAR 25TH
5	Paro Tshechu	Paro	Mar 26th – mar 30th
6	Chukha Tshechu	Chukha	Mar 28th – mar 30th
7	Ura Tshechu	Bumthang	April 24th – april 28th
8	Nimalung Tshechu	Bumthang	June 19th –june 21st
9	Kurjey Tshechu	Bumthang	June 21st
10	Thimphu Drubchen	Thimphu	Sept 12th – sept 16th
11	Wangdi Tshechu	Wangdue Phodrang	Sept 15th – sept 17th
12	Tamshingphala Choepa	Bumthang	Sept 16th – sept 18th
13	Thimphu Tshechu	Thimphu	Sept 17th – sept 19th
14	Tangbi Mani	Bumthang	Sept 22nd – sept 24th
15	Jambay Lhakhang Drup	Bumthang	Oct 22nd – oct 26th
16	Prakhar Tshechu	Bumthang	Oct 23rd – oct 25th
17	Mongar Tshechu	Mongar	Nov 13th – nov 16th
18	Pemagatshel Tshechu	Pemagatshel	Nov 13th – nov 16th
19	Trashigang Tshechu	Trashigang	Nov 14th – nov 17th
20	Nalakhang Tshechu	Bumthang	Nov 21st – nov 23rd
21	Trongsa Tshechu	Trongsa	Dec 15th – dec 17th
22	Lhuntse Tshechu	Lhuntse	Dec 15th – dec 17th

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