Tshechu Is A Religious Festival Meaning “Tenth Day” Held Annually In Various Temples, Monasteries And Dzongs Throughout The Country.
The Tshechu is a religious event celebrated on tenth day of a month of the lunar calendar corresponding to the birthday of Guru Rimpoche (Guru Padmasambhava). However the exact month of the Tshechu varies from place to place and temple to temple.
Tshechus are grand events where entire communities come together to witness religious mask dances, receive blessings and socialize. . In addition to the mask dances tshechus also include colorful Bhutanese dances and other forms of entertainment.
It is believed that everyone must attend a Tshechu and witness the mask dances at least once to in order to receive blessings and wash away their sins. Every mask dance performed during a Tshechu has a special meaning or a story behind it and many are based on stories and incidents from as long ago as the 8th century, during the life of Guru Padmasambhava. In monasteries the mask dances are performed by monks and in remote villages they are performed jointly by monks and village men.
Two of the most popular Tshechus in the country are the Paro and Thimphu Tshechus in terms of participation and audience. Besides the locals many tourists from across the world are attracted to these unique, colorful and exciting displays of traditional culture.
Name | Town | Start Date | End Date |
---|---|---|---|
Punakha Drubchen | Punakha | Mar 09, 2022 | Mar 11, 2022 |
Punakha Tshechu | Punakha | Mar 12, 2022 | Mar 14, 2022 |
Tharpaling Thongdrol | Bumthang | Mar 18, 2022 | |
Zhemgang Tshechu | Zhemgang | Apr 09, 2022 | Apr 11, 2022 |
Gasa Tshechu | Gasa | Apr 09, 2022 | Apr 11, 2022 |
Gomphukora | Trashigang | Apr 09, 2022 | Apr 11, 2022 |
Talo Tshechu | Punakha | Apr 09, 2022 | Apr 11, 2022 |
Paro Tshechu | Paro | Apr 12, 2022 | Apr 16, 2022 |
Rhododendron Festival | Thimphu | Apr 15, 2022 | Apr 17, 2022 |
Chhorten Kora | Trashi Yangtse | Apr 30, 2022 | |
Domkhar Tshechu | Bumthang | May 11, 2022 | May 13, 2022 |
Ura Yakchoe | Bumthang | May 13, 2022 | May 17, 2022 |
Nimalung Tshechu | Bumthang | Jul 07, 2022 | Jul 09, 2022 |
Haa Summer Festival | Haa Valley | Jul 09, 2022 | Jul 10, 2022 |
Kurjey Tshechu | Bumthang | Jul 09, 2022 | |
Mushroom Festival | Thimphu | Aug 15, 2022 | Aug 16, 2022 |
Tour of the Dragon (Bicycle Race) | Bumthang | Sep 03, 2022 | |
Thimphu Drubchen | Thimphu | Oct 01, 2022 | |
Wangdue Tshechu | Wangdue Phodrang | Oct 03, 2022 | Oct 05, 2022 |
Tamshing Phala Chhoepa | Bumthang | Oct 05, 2022 | Oct 07, 2022 |
Thimphu Tshechu | Thimphu | Oct 05, 2022 | Oct 07, 2022 |
Gangtey Tshechu | Wangdue Phodrang | Oct 07, 2022 | Oct 09, 2022 |
Thangbi Mani | Bumthang | Oct 08, 2022 | Oct 10, 2022 |
Jhomolhari Mountain Festival | Thimphu | Oct 14, 2022 | Oct 15, 2022 |
Jakar Tshechu | Bumthang | Nov 01, 2022 | Nov 03, 2022 |
Chhukha Tshechu | Chukha | Nov 01, 2022 | Nov 03, 2022 |
Dechenphu Tshechu | Thimphu | Nov 03, 2022 | |
Jambay Lhakhang Drup | Bumthang | Nov 08, 2022 | Nov 12, 2022 |
Prakhar Duchhoed | Bumthang | Nov 09, 2022 | Nov 11, 2022 |
Black Necked Crane Festival | Wangdue Phodrang | Nov 11, 2022 | |
Mongar Tshechu | Mongar | Dec 01, 2022 | Dec 03, 2022 |
Trashigang Tshechu | Trashigang | Dec 01, 2022 | Dec 03, 2022 |
Pemagatshel Tshechu | Pemagatshel | Dec 01, 2022 | Dec 03, 2022 |
Jambay Lhakhang Singye Cham | Bumthang | Dec 07, 2022 | |
Nalakhar Tshechu | Bumthang | Dec 08, 2022 | Dec 10, 2022 |
Druk Wangyel Tshechu | Thimphu | Dec 13, 2022 | |
Lhuentse Tshechu | Lhuentse | Dec 30, 2022 | Jan 01, 2023 |
Trongsa Tshechu | Trongsa | Dec 30, 2022 | Jan 01, 2023 |