Festivals, or tshechu, are a major part of Bhutanese life and offer a unique cultural insight into this Himalayan kingdom. They are colorful events with masked dancing and bright costumes, providing wonderful photo opportunities. During the larger festivals, Bhutan is very popular with tourists, and some of its charm can be lost. Therefore, visiting the smaller festivals is advisable.
Phobjikha
Gangtey Drubchen Gangtey Drubchen is a fascinating practice of meditation in Tibetan Buddhism. The practice involves deep meditation, often associated with a retreat lasting seven to ten days, believed to have powerful effects in ridding the world of evil, especially when the festival is in full attendance. Prayers are chanted 24 hours a day for eight days, and you will also see masked dances and other rituals related to the Drubchen being performed. This festival usually occurs in November.
Bumthang
Jakar Tshechu This thrilling five-day event, usually held in October, is a relatively new festival begun by the Monastic Body of Jakar. It takes place within the Jakar Dzong and includes celebratory masked dances and folk songs.
Jambay Lhakhang Drup Held over four days in one of the most ancient temples of Bhutan, built in the 7th century, this festival honors Guru Rinpoche, who is credited with spreading tantric or Tibetan Buddhism, as well as the founding of the temple itself. This festival, usually held in late October or early November, is well known for the sacred naked dance performed in the courtyard of the temple at midnight, although tourists are not permitted to attend. A fire dance is also held in the evening to bless infertile women, hoping this will help them bear children.
Prakhar Duchhoed This small festival, usually held in November, is held in the Prakhar Monastery in the Chumey Valley, about 30 minutes’ drive from Jakar. It is more low-key than most other festivals but can be a nice addition to a trip to Bhutan, especially if you are traveling through to Trongsa from Jakar because you can stop here en route.
Tamshingphala Choepa Held in the Tamshing Monastery in the Bumthang Valley, this festival celebrates the temple’s link to the Bhutanese Saint Pema Lingpa. It typically takes place in September or October.
Thangbi Mani This is one of the most popular festivals in Bhutan, famous for the fire dance held in the courtyard of the monastery as well as the purification rituals performed here. It is usually held in September.
Punakha
Punakha Drubchen and Tshechu This celebration lasts for five days, with two days devoted to Drubchen (the practice of deep meditation thought to rid the world of evil) followed by three days for the Tshechu. The Drubchen re-enacts the Tibetan invasion of Bhutan to steal its most precious relic. During the festival, a procession of monks walks down to the river and throws a handful of oranges into the water to symbolize the relic and re-enact this important event in Bhutanese history. This festival is held in February or March.
Talo Tshechu Held in a village in the hills above Punakha at an altitude of 9,180 ft (2,800 m), this festival usually occurs in March. Visitors can enjoy stunning views over the mountains as well as experience the joy of a local festival.
Paro
Paro Tshechu Paro Tshechu is one of the most popular events in the Bhutanese calendar and one of the most well-attended by tourists and local people. The festival is held over four days, usually in March or April, with the first day beginning in the courtyard of the Dzong and the last day ending with the unveiling of the sacred Thangka (silk painting). The Thangka is unveiled before dawn to ensure that it is not damaged by the sunlight. It is considered a blessing to see the sacred Thangka with your own eyes. Throughout the festival, there are masked dances and songs, creating a lively atmosphere.
Thimphu
Thimphu Drubchen The annual Thimphu Drubchen, usually held in September, is famous for the masked dance performed here to appease and protect one of the key deities of Bhutan, Pelden Lhamo. This well-attended festival lights up the atmosphere of this otherwise quiet capital.
Thimphu Tshechu Held over a four-day period in September or October, this festival commemorates Guru Rinpoche, a figure known for the spread of Tantric or Tibetan Buddhism.
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