Festivals of Bhutan (2009 - 2010)

At various times of the year, Bhutanese in towns and villages congregate to witness the masked dance festivals known as Tsechus. These colorful events draw thousands of locals, some of whom walk for days in order to attend. While the underlying purpose is spiritual, dances are more often like plays where good triumphs over evil or depict significant historical events.

Paro Tshechu (April) The Tshechu is a festival honoring Guru Padmasambhava, "one who was born from a lotus flower." This Indian saint contributed enormously to the diffusion of Tantric Buddhism in the Himalayan regions of Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan etc. The biography of Guru is highlighted by 12 episodes of the model of the Buddha Shakyamuni's life. Each episode is commemorated around the year on the 10th day of the month by "the Tshechu."

The dates and the duration of the festivals vary from one district to another but they always take place on or around the 10th of the month according to the Bhutanese calendar. During Tshechu, the dances are performed by monks as well as by laymen.

The Tshechu is a religious festival and by attending it, it is believed one gains merits. It is also a yearly social gathering where the people, dressed in all their finery, come together to rejoice.

Thimpu Tsechu (September) It is an authentically traditional festival full with color, excitement and mystical power. The dancers recreate the myths and legends of Himalayan Buddhism in a swirl of color, music and mystery. You may see a magnificent procession that re-enacts the battle, masked dancers take on the aspects of peaceful and wrathful deities, fine clothes, beautiful jewels, galloping horsemen, archery contests, monks in antique silk robes and more. On the last morning, at the culmination of Bhutan's religious festival if you are lucky you might view the rare display of stunning 'Thangka' four-stories-tall silk scroll painting.