Festival Tours
Bhutanese Festivals
Bhutan is one of the most religious countries in the Buddhist world. Like all Buddhist nations, festivals have a special place in the hearts of Bhutanese people. Most of the festivals have their roots in their Buddhist religion. The largest annual festival in Bhutan is known as “Tsechu”, an event honoring Guru Rinpoche through religious dances. These religious festivals are a perfect occasion to catch a glimpse of Bhutanese culture and tradition. Tsechus take place annually in and around the great Dzongs, attracting both tourists and large number of locals from the surrounding villages.
The dates and the duration of the Tsechu festivals may vary among Dzongkhags(Districts) but they always fall on or around the 10th day of the month in the Bhutanese calendar. It is believed that merit is gained by attending this religious festival. The festival is filled with series of mask dances performed to bless onlookers, to teach the Buddhist dharma , to protect them from misfortune and to exorcise all evil.
Apart from the religious implications, the Tsechu is also an annual social gathering where people dress in their finest clothing and jewellery. Small fair may be organized outside the Dzong for those looking for a variety of entertainments.
Bhutan is one of the most religious countries in the Buddhist world. Like all Buddhist nations, festivals have a special place in the hearts of Bhutanese people. Most of the festivals have their roots in their Buddhist religion. The largest annual festival in Bhutan is known as “Tsechu”, an event honoring Guru Rinpoche through religious dances. These religious festivals are a perfect occasion to catch a glimpse of Bhutanese culture and tradition. Tsechus take place annually in and around the great Dzongs, attracting both tourists and large number of locals from the surrounding villages.
The dates and the duration of the Tsechu festivals may vary among Dzongkhags(Districts) but they always fall on or around the 10th day of the month in the Bhutanese calendar. It is believed that merit is gained by attending this religious festival. The festival is filled with series of mask dances performed to bless onlookers, to teach the Buddhist dharma , to protect them from misfortune and to exorcise all evil.
Apart from the religious implications, the Tsechu is also an annual social gathering where people dress in their finest clothing and jewellery. Small fair may be organized outside the Dzong for those looking for a variety of entertainments.
| Festivals |
Place |
Dates |
|
Punakha Dromche and Tsechu |
Punakha |
March 1-8 |
| Chorten Kora |
Trashi Yangtse |
March 11 - 26 |
|
Gom Kora |
Trashigang |
April 2-4 |
|
Paro Tsechu |
Paro |
April 5-9 |
|
Chhukha
Tsechu |
Chhukha |
April 7-9 |
|
Ura |
Bumthang |
May 5-9 |
|
Nimalung |
Bumthang |
Jun. 30 - Jul. 2 |
|
Kurjey Tsechu |
Bumthang |
July 2 |
|
Wangdue Tsechu |
Wangduephodrang |
Sep. 26-28 |
|
Tamshingphala
Choepa |
Bumthang |
Sep. 27-29 |
|
Thimphu Drupchen |
Thimphu |
Sep . 23-27 |
|
Thimphu Tsechu |
Thimphu |
Sep 28-30 |
|
Thangbi Mani |
Bumthang |
Oct. 3-5 |
|
Jambay Lhakhang Drup |
Bumthang |
Nov. 2-6 |
|
Prakhar Duchhoed |
Bumthang |
Nov. 3-5 |
|
Mongar Tsechu |
Mongar |
Nov. 25-27 |
|
Pemagatsel
Tsechu |
Pemagatsel |
Nov 25-27 |
|
Trashigang Tsechu |
Trashigang |
Nov 26-28 |
|
Nalakhar Tsechu |
Bumthang |
Dec . 2-4 |
|
Trongsa Tsechu |
Trongsa |
Dec. 25-27 |
|
Lhuntse Tsechu |
Lhuntse |
Dec. 25-27 |
