Festivals

– Festivals In Bhutan –

Festivals in Bhutan are typically known as Tshechu (meaning 10th day) and they are celebrated with great fervor across the many monasteries, dzongs and temples dotting the Dragon Kingdom.
The tenth day of the Lunar calendar has a special significance for the Bhutanese as they consider this date to be extremely auspicious. They whole heartedly believe that every human being should witness the Tshechu and the masked dances to wash away all past sins.
Each Tshechu has an array of dances that relate to folklore and religious stories (mostly originating in the 8th century or the life of Padmasambhava).
Tshechus are grand events where entire communities come together to witness religious mask dances, receive blessings and socialize. . In addition to the mask dances tshechus also include  colorful Bhutanese dances and other forms of entertainment.

It is believed that everyone must attend a Tshechu and witness the mask dances at least once to in order to receive blessings and wash away their sins. Every mask dance performed during a Tshechu has a special meaning or a story behind it and many are based on stories and incidents from as long ago as the 8th century, during the life of Guru Padmasambhava. In monasteries the mask dances are performed by monks and in remote villages they are performed jointly by monks and village men.

Two of the most popular Tshechus in the country are the Paro and Thimphu Tshechus in terms of participation and audience. Besides the locals many tourists from across the world are attracted to these unique, colorful and exciting displays of traditional culture.

Festivals are a good venue to witness and take pictures of Bhutanese people in colorful and their finest attire.

– Festivals Dates For 2019 –

For detailed Bhutan Festivals in 2019, click here: Bhutan Festival Dates for 2019