Introduction
The Tshechus are Bhutanese festivals held every year in various temples monasteries and dzongs across the country at different times of the year which can last upto four days. The Tshechu is mainly a religious event celebrated on the tenth day of a month of lunar calendar corresponding to the birth day of Guru Rinpoche (Guru Padmasambhava).
Tshechus are large social gatherings where people from various villages come together to witness the religious mask dances which are based on incidents from as long as 8th century. The event consists of colorful masked dances, Bhutanese dances and other entertainments.
It is said that everyone must attend a Tshechu and witness the mask dances at least once to receive the blessings and wash away the sins. Every mask dances performed during Tshechu has a meaning or a story behind.
These festivals are visually stunning and will give visitors an insight into the vibrant and rich culture of the country.
TENTATIVE BHUTAN FESTIVAL DATES
Sl.No | Festival | Place | Date |
1 | PUNAKHA DRUBCHHEN | Punakha Dzong, PUNAKHA |
15th – 19th February |
2 | PUNAKHA TSHECHU | Punakha Dzong, PUNAKHA |
20th – 22nd February |
3 | CHHORTEN KORA | Chorten Kora, TRASHI YANGTSE |
25th February & 11th March |
4 | GOMPHUKORA | Gom Kora Lhakhang, TRASHIGANG |
20th – 22nd March |
5 | PARO TSHECHU | Rinpung Dzong, PARO |
23rd – 27th March |
6 | CHHUKHA TSHECHU | Chhukha Dzong,CHHUKHA | 25th – 27th March |
7 | URA YAKCHOE | Ura Lhakhang,BUMTHANG | 21st – 25th April |
8 | NIMALUNG TSHECHU | Nimalung Dratshang, Chummi, BUMTHANG |
16th – 18th June |
9 | KURJEY TSHECHU | Kurjey Lhakhang, Choekhor, BUMTHANG |
18th June |
10 | THIMPHU DRUBCHEN | Tashichho Dzong, THIMPHU |
9th – 13th September |
11 | WANGDUE TSHECHU | Wangdi Dzong, WANGDUEPHODRANG |
12th – 14th September |
12 | TAMSHING PHALACHHOEPA | Tamshing Lhakhang, Choekhor, BUMTHANG |
13th – 15th September |
13 | THIMPHU TSHECHU | Tashichho Dzong, THIMPHU |
14th – 16th September |
14 | THANGBI MANI | Tangbi Lhakhang, Choekor, BUMTHANG |
18th – 20th September |
15 | JAMBAY LHAKHANGDRUP | Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor,BUMTHANG | 18th – 22nd October |
16 | PRAKHAR DUCHHOED | Prakar Lhakhang, Chummi, BUMTHANG |
19th – 21st October |
17 | CRANE FESTIVAL | Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha, WANGDUEPHODRANG |
11th November |
18 | MONGAR TSHECHU | Mongar Dzong, MONGAR |
9th – 12th November |
19 | PEMAGATSHEL TSHECHU | Pemagatshel Dzong, PEMAGATSHEL |
9th – 12th November |
20 | TRASHIGANG TSHECHU | Trashigang Dzong, TRSASHIGANG |
10th – 13th November |
21 | NALAKHAR TSHECHU | Nga Lhakhang, Choekhor, BUMTHANG |
17th – 19th November |
22 | TRONGSA TSHECHU | Trongsa Dzong, TRONGSA |
9th – 11th January 2014 |
23 | LHUENTSE TSHECHU | Lhuentse Dzong, LHUENTSE |
9th – 11th January 2014 |