Bhutan celebrates numerous religious festivals known as “Tsechu”. During these Tsechus, religious masked dances are performed to commemorate the different events in the life of the great Tantric Guru Padmasambhava – who is credited with bringing Buddhism into Bhutan. Dates and months of celebration vary from place to place. During these festivals, dancers adorned in brilliant silk costumes and heavy masks of animal skulls and fearsome deities re-enact the events associated with the great Guru Padmasambhava. These dances are accompanied by blaring horns, booming drums and clashing cymbals as the dancers whirl and leap against a backdrop of blue skies and lofty mountains. People throng to watch these religious dances in their finest woven silk dresses, brightly patterned cloth for which Bhutan is renowned. Tsechus are celebrated for three to five days, with both monks and laymen taking part in them.

On the last day, most Tsechus end with a display of giant appliqué Thangka, depicting Guru Padmasambhava and His eight manifestations. These Thangkas are called “Thongdroels” and can be 5-6 stories tall and displayed only once a year during these Tsechus.

The Bhutanese people attach great importance to these festivals and believe that attending one of these can earn them religious merit. This is one of the reasons why the festivals have been so well preserved over the centuries. For the Bhutanese, these Tsechus also provide the opportunity to socialize and renew friendships and meet up with relatives. It is a time for feasting and merry making and adorning themselves in their best finery.

In addition to being able to attend these unique experiences, you will get an insight into the unique culture, religion, costumes and the way of life of the Bhutanese – known as the Drukpas.

PUNAKHA DROMCHE

     Punakha was the old capital of Bhutan. This fertile valley is famous for the cultivation of best of Bhutan's exotic red rice. The festival commemorates the Bhutanese victory over the invading Tibetan troops in the 17^th century. The festival begins with colorful mask dances and ends with a grand procession that dramatizes the Bhutanese troops marching into the battlefield against the invading Tibetan troops. In addition to attending the festival, the trip also takes you into the enchanting valleys of Paro, Thimphu and Wangdue.

PARO TSECHU

     Held in Spring, this is one of the most popular festivals of Bhutan. Performed by monks and laymen in brilliant costumes and wearing masks of both the wrathful as well as the peaceful deities, the dances re-enact the legends and history of Buddhism in the Dragon Kingdom. On the last day of the festival, the 300 years old Thangka or Thongdroel is unfurled – depicting the great Guru Padmasambhava and his eight manifestations.

THIMPHU DROMCHE & TSHECHU

Thimphu festival, celebrated in the fall, is amongst the most popular in Bhutan. As the country’s capital city, Thimphu has the highest concentration of population. Like other festivals in Bhutan, it commemorates the deeds of the Tantric master Padmasambhava. People from all corners of the country come not only to witness the religious dances but also take part in the country fair festivities.

FESTIVALS OF BUMTHANG

      Ura Yakchu Tshechu 
Nimlung Tshechu                         
Jambay Lhakhang Festival         
Nganglhakhang Festival          

      Bumtha, covering the four valleys of Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura is located in the North-Central part of Bhutan – at an altitude ranging from 8,528 to 13,210 feet. Buddhism was introduced into Bhutan by the great Tantric saint Guru Padmasambhava who visited Bumtha during the 8^th century. Bumtha was also host to a great number of Buddhist scholars.

      In addition to the festivals, this trip offers fascinating excursions to many villages; opportunity to interact with the friendly people of this region and to experience first hand the unique cultures and traditions of the Mahayana Buddhist world.

      Bumtha has the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan and is the ancestral home of the Royal Family.

TRONGSA FESTIVAL

    
The five-day Trongsa festival is held in the courtyard of the Dzong during the eleventh month of the lunar calendar. In addition to the various mask dances performed by both layman and the monks, this program offers extensive sightseeing in the valley of Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Wangdue, Bumtha and Trongsa.

For other festival dates, follow this LINK.