Festivals form an inseparable part of the Bhutanese culture. The Tshechus (festivals) are celebrated for 3 to 5 days in which both monks and laymen take part in the dances.
Dancers reenact legendary events, with monks playing exotic musical instruments. Elaborate dances tell us moral tales, dances intended to purify a place and protect it from evil spirits and dances that proclaim the victory of Buddhism and the glory of Guru Rimpoche.
The highlight of most Tshechus is the brief unfurling of the Dzong’s huge appliqué thangka, representing Guru Rimpoche and his eight manifestations. Better known as a Thongdrel, the Bhutanese believe that by viewing this they are delivered from the cycles of reincarnations.
At the festivals the Atsaras or clowns weaving expressive masks are a welcome sight. Tshechus are also a time for the Bhutanese people to socialize with family, friends and acquaintances. These festivals both in terms of the ways of celebrations and rituals are well preserved over centuries.
Festival dates for 2009
- Please note that the dates are tentative. Please consult with your tour operator for confirmation.
- Bhutanese Lunar Calendar may not be as same as Chinese Lunar Calendar.
| Festival | Place | Dates (2009) | Bhutanese Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Punakha Dromche | Punakha | 3 – 5 March | 7 – 9 Month 1 |
| Punakha Tshechu | Punakha | 6 – 8 March | 10 – 12 Month 1 |
| Bulli Mani (Chumme) | Bumthang | 12 – 14 March | 16 – 18 Month 1 |
| Tharpaling Thongdrol | Bumthang | 11 March | 15 Month 1 |
| Tangsibi Mani | Ura, Bumthang | 11 – 14 March | 15 – 18 Month 1 |
| Gayden Chodpa | Ura, Bumthang | 24 – 26 March | 28 – 30 Month 1 |
| Chorten Kora | Trashiyangtse | 11 and 26 March | 15 and 30 Month 1 |
| Gomkora | Trashigang | 2 – 4 April | 8 – 10 Month 2 |
| Paro Tshechu | Paro | 5 – 9 April | 11 – 15 Month 2 |
| Chhukha Tshechu | Chhukha | 7 – 9 April | 13 – 15 Month 2 |
| Ura Yakchoe | Bumthang | 5 – 9 May | 12 – 16 Month 3 |
| Nimalung Tshechu | Bumthang | 30 June – 2 July | 8 – 10 Month 5 |
| Kurjey Tshechu | Bumthang | 2 July | 10 Month 5 |
| Wangdue Tshechu | Wangdue Phodrang | 26 – 28 September | 8 – 10 Month 8 |
| Tamshingphala Choepa | Bumthang | 28 – 30 September | 10 – 12 Month 8 |
| Thimphu Drupchen | Thimphu | 23 – 27 September | 5 – 9 Month 8 |
| Thimphu Tshechu | Thimphu | 28 – 30 September | 10 – 12 Month 8 |
| Tangbi Mani | Bumthang | 3 – 5 October | 14 – 16 Month 8 |
| Shingkhar Rabney | Ura, Bumthang | 24 – 28 October | 6 – 10 Month 9 |
| Jakar Dzong Tshechu | Bumthang | 26 – 29 October | 8 – 11 Month 9 |
| Jambay Lhakhang Drup | Bumthang | 2 – 6 November | 15 – 18 Month 9 |
| Prakhar Duchhoed | Bumthang | 3 – 5 November | 16 – 18 Month 9 |
| Sumdrang Kangsol | Ura, Bumthang | 13 – 16 November | 27 – 30 Month 9 |
| Mongar Tshechu | Mongar | 25 – 27 November | 8 – 10 Month 10 |
| Pemagatshel Tshechu | Pemagatshel | 25 – 27 November | 8 – 10 Month 10 |
| Trashigang Tshechu | Trashigang | 26 – 28 November | 8 – 10 Month 10 |
| Namkha Rabney | Tang, Bumthang | 27 – 28 November | 9-10 Month 10 |
| Nalakhar Tshechu | Bumthang | 2 – 4 December | 15 – 17 Month 10 |
| Chozam Rabney | Tang, Bumthang | 2 – 5 December | 15 – 18 Month 10 |
| Trongsa Tshechu | Trongsa | 25 – 27 December | 9 – 11 Month 11 |
| Lhuntse Tshechu | Lhuntse | 25 – 27 December | 9 – 11 Month 11 |
| Nabji Lhakhang Drup | Nabji, Trongsa | 31 Dec, 2009 – 4 Jan, 2010 | 15 – 19 Month 11 |
| Shingkhar Metochodpa | Ura, Bumthang | 31 Dec | 15 Month 11 |