Festivals (Tshechu) are important events and celebrated through Bhutan. The term ‘Tshechu’ literally translates into 10th day of Bhutanese lunar calendarin commemoration of events of Guru Rimpoche which is considered very auspicious. During Tshechus, the chaams (religious dances) are performed by either by monks or by lay men. The most popular religious festivals are Domchen and Tshechus, which are held annually in different part of country. They are many local communities distinct to different villages that attract crowds from the remotest of villages. The festivals are important religious and social gathering. It is believed, by attending them one gain merit and blessing. People turn up for the festival in their finest cloth and jewelry.
The religious dance festivals are marked by masked dancers striking brocade costumes. They last two-five days and take place in court yards of the dzongs, Gompas and chortens. Its dance has its own significance and is performed by monks and villages. The Tshechu is usually ended with the display of Thongdrel (large scroll painting) of deities and saints which is believed to liberate people just by a mere glimpse of it.
The most popular festivals that attract foreign visitors are held in Paro during spring and in Thimphu and Bumthang during autumn. The famous naked dance and includes exotic fire dances which are intended to help childless women conceive.
Name | Dzongkhag | Start Date | End Date |
---|---|---|---|
Punakha Drubchen | Punakha | Feb 16, 2024 | Feb 18, 2024 |
Punakha Tshechu | Punakha | Feb 19, 2024 | Feb 21, 2024 |
Tharpaling Thongdrol | Bumthang | Feb 24, 2024 | |
Zhemgang Tshechu | Zhemgang | Mar 17, 2024 | Mar 19, 2024 |
Gasa Tshechu | Gasa | Mar 17, 2024 | Mar 19, 2024 |
Talo Tshechu | Punakha | Mar 17, 2024 | Mar 19, 2024 |
Gomphukora | Trashigang | Mar 17, 2024 | Mar 19, 2024 |
Paro Tshechu | Paro | Mar 20, 2024 | Mar 24, 2024 |
Chhorten Kora | Trashigang | Mar 25, 2024 | Apr 08, 2024 |
Domkhar Tshechu | Bumthang | Apr 18, 2024 | Apr 20, 2024 |
Ura Yakchoe | Bumthang | Apr 20, 2024 | Apr 24, 2024 |
Nimalung Tshechu | Bumthang | Jun 14, 2024 | Jun 16, 2024 |
Kurjey Tshechu | Bumthang | Jun 16, 2024 | |
Tour of the Dragon (Mountain Bike Race) | Thimphu | Sep 02, 2024 | |
Thimphu Drubchen | Thimphu | Sep 08, 2024 | |
Wangdue Tshechu | Wangdue Phodrang | Sep 11, 2024 | Sep 13, 2024 |
Thimphu Tshechu | Thimphu | Sep 12, 2024 | Sep 14, 2024 |
Tamshing Phala Chhoepa | Bumthang | Sep 13, 2024 | Sep 15, 2024 |
Jhomolhari Mountain Festival | Thimphu | Sep 14, 2024 | Sep 15, 2024 |
Gangtey Tshechu | Wangdue Phodrang | Sep 16, 2024 | Sep 18, 2024 |
Thangbi Mani | Bumthang | Sep 17, 2024 | Sep 19, 2024 |
Jakar Tshechu | Bumthang | Oct 10, 2024 | Oct 12, 2024 |
Chhukha Tshechu | Chukha | Oct 10, 2024 | Oct 12, 2024 |
Dechenphu Tshechu | Thimphu | Oct 12, 2024 | |
Jambay Lhakhang Drup | Bumthang | Oct 17, 2024 | Oct 21, 2024 |
Prakhar Duchhoed | Bumthang | Oct 18, 2024 | Oct 20, 2024 |
Royal Highland festival (Laya) | Laya | Oct 23, 2024 | Oct 24, 2024 |
Pemagatshel Tshechu | Pemagatshel | Nov 09, 2024 | Nov 11, 2024 |
Trashigang Tshechu | Trashigang | Nov 09, 2024 | Nov 11, 2024 |
Mongar Tshechu | Mongar | Nov 09, 2024 | Nov 11, 2024 |
Black Necked Crane Festival | Wangdue Phodrang | Nov 11, 2024 | |
Nalakhar Tshechu | Bumthang | Nov 15, 2024 | Nov 17, 2024 |
Jambay Lhakhang Singye Cham | Bumthang | Nov 15, 2024 | |
Lhuentse Tshechu | Lhuentse | Dec 08, 2024 | Dec 10, 2024 |
Trongsa Tshechu | Trongsa | Dec 08, 2024 | Dec 10, 2024 |
Druk Wangyel Tshechu | Thimphu | Dec 13, 2024 | |
Samdrupjongkhar Tshechu | Samdrup Jongkhar | Dec 13, 2024 | Dec 15, 2024 |
Nabji Lhakhang Drup | Trongsa | Dec 15, 2024 | Dec 16, 2024 |