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Bhutan Festival Dates 2009

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

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