Festivals of Bhutan

Festivals of Bhutan !Bhutan Festivals!

Bhutan Festivals 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 harvest season. The Thimphu Tshechu in the capital of Bhutan is held in mid September.


The main highlight of the Tshechu is the performance of the masked dances by the monks. There are many kinds of masked dances all involving different moves, masks and costumes. All of them have special religious significance.

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.

Tentative Bhutan Festival Schedule 2008

Punakha Punakha Domche Feb. 11 - 15
Trashi Yangtse Chorten Kora Feb. 27 & Mar. 7
Trashigang Gom Kora March 14 - 16
Paro Paro Tshechu March 17 - 21
Bumthang Ura Tshechu (Tentative) April 16 - 20
Bumthang Nimalung Tshechu July 10 - 12
Bumthang Kurjey Tshechu July 12
Wangduephodrang Wangdue Tshechu Oct. 7 - 9
Bumthang Tamshingphala CHOEPA Oct. 8 - 10
Thimphu Thimphu Drupchen Oct. 4 - 8
Thimphu Thimphu Tshechu Oct. 9 - 11
Bumthang Thangbi Mani Oct. 13 - 15
Bumthang Jambay Lakhang Drup Nov. 12 - 16
Bumthang Prakhar Tshechu Nov. 13 - 15
Mongar Mongar Tshechu Dec. 4 - 7
Trashigang Trashigang Tshechu Dec. 5 - 8
Trongsa Trongsa Tshechu Jan 5 - 7, 2009
Lhuntse Lhuntse Tshechu Jan 5 - 7, 2009

Please note that all efforts have been made to confirm the festival dates with Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators (ABTO). The dates of the festivals change from year to year because they are based on the lunar calendar, which itself changes every year. 

 


 

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