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.
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.
