Protected by the mighty Himalaya, the isolated kingdom of Bhutan is an unforgettable place to visit. The landscape is stunning, with steep forested hills and misty mountains rising from fast flowing rivers. However it's the fascinating culture that makes this country unique, boasting several colourful annual festivals.
At these festivals hundreds gather to see the monks, dressed in brightly coloured robes, perform ritual dances. For several days there are masked dances and prayer meetings, and a general carnival atmosphere prevails.
Bhutanese people celebrate different festivals like the Bhutanese New Year and other seasonal festivals like the summer solstice etc. But the most common festival is known as Tshechu. It is in fact a religious festival, and is celebrated all over Bhutan, usually after the end of the harvest season. The Thimphu Tshechu in the capital of Bhutan is held in September.
The main highlight of the Tshechu is the performance of the masked dances by the monks. There are many kinds of maksed dances all involving different moves, masks and costumes. All of them special religious significances.
According to legend, all these dances appeared in the past Buddhist master's vision during their meditation. The steps and moves are strictly followed as it was performed in the past. Alteration of the steps is seen as sacrilegious and would not be attempted by any masked dance teacher.
Festival Schedule for 2010
Sl. No
FESTIVAL
PLACE
DATES
1
Punakha Drubchen
Punakha
Feb 18th – feb 22nd
2
Punakha Tshechu
Punakha
Feb 23rd – feb 25th
3
Chorten Kora
Trashiyangtse
Feb 28th – mar 15th
4
Gomkora
Trashigang
MAR 23rd – MAR 25TH
5
Paro Tshechu
Paro
Mar 26th – mar 30th
6
Chukha Tshechu
Chukha
Mar 28th – mar 30th
7
Ura Tshechu
Bumthang
April 24th – april 28th
8
Nimalung Tshechu
Bumthang
June 19th –june 21st
9
Kurjey Tshechu
Bumthang
June 21st
10
Thimphu Drubchen
Thimphu
Sept 12th – sept 16th
11
Wangdi Tshechu
Wangdue Phodrang
Sept 15th – sept 17th
12
Tamshingphala Choepa
Bumthang
Sept 16th – sept 18th
13
Thimphu Tshechu
Thimphu
Sept 17th – sept 19th
14
Tangbi Mani
Bumthang
Sept 22nd – sept 24th
15
Jambay Lhakhang Drup
Bumthang
Oct 22nd – oct 26th
16
Prakhar Tshechu
Bumthang
Oct 23rd – oct 25th
17
Mongar Tshechu
Mongar
Nov 13th – nov 16th
18
Pemagatshel Tshechu
Pemagatshel
Nov 13th – nov 16th
19
Trashigang Tshechu
Trashigang
Nov 14th – nov 17th
20
Nalakhang Tshechu
Bumthang
Nov 21st – nov 23rd
21
Trongsa Tshechu
Trongsa
Dec 15th – dec 17th
22
Lhuntse Tshechu
Lhuntse
Dec 15th – dec 17th
Please contact us for the detailed itinerary for the above festivals that suits your interest.
BHUTAN TRAVEL
