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 Dates For 2018 –

Name Town Start Date End Date
Punakha Drubchen Punakha Feb 22, 2018 Feb 24, 2018
Punakha Tshechu Punakha Feb 25, 2018 Feb 27, 2018
Chhorten Kora Trashi Yangtse Mar 02, 2018 Mar 17, 2018
Gomphukora Trashigang Mar 24, 2018 Mar 26, 2018
Paro Tshechu Paro Mar 27, 2018 Mar 31, 2018
Chhukha Tshechu Chukha Mar 29, 2018 Mar 31, 2018
Rhododendron Festival Thimphu Apr 20, 2018 Apr 22, 2018
Ura Yakchoe Bumthang Apr 27, 2018 Apr 29, 2018
Nimalung Tshechu Bumthang Jun 21, 2018 Jun 23, 2018
Kurjey Tshechu Bumthang Jun 23, 2018
Thimphu Drubchen Thimphu Sep 15, 2018 Sep 18, 2018
Wangdue Tshechu Wangdue Phodrang Sep 17, 2018 Sep 19, 2018
Tamshing Phala Chhoepa Bumthang Sep 19, 2018 Sep 21, 2018
Thimphu Tshechu Thimphu Sep 19, 2018 Sep 21, 2018
Thangbi Mani Bumthang Sep 23, 2018 Sep 25, 2018
Jambay Lhakhang Drup Bumthang Oct 24, 2018 Oct 27, 2018
Prakhar Duchhoe Bumthang Oct 25, 2018 Oct 27, 2018
Black Necked Crane Festival Wangdue Phodrang Nov 11, 2018
Mongar Tshechu Mongar Nov 16, 2018 Nov 18, 2018
Pemagatshel Tshechu Pemagatshel Nov 16, 2018 Nov 18, 2018
Trashigang Tshechu Trashigang Nov 17, 2018 Nov 19, 2018
Nalakhar Tshechu Bumthang Nov 23, 2018 Nov 25, 2018
Druk Wangyel Tshechu Thimphu Dec 13, 2018
Lhuentse Tshechu Lhuentse Dec 15, 2018 Dec 17, 2018
Trongsa Tshechu Trongsa Dec 15, 2018 Dec 17, 2018