Bhutan Festival
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.
SL.NO | FESTIVAL | PLACE | DATES |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Birth Anniversary Of 1 His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck | 21st – 23rd February | |
2 | Pelden Lhamoi 2 Drupchen/ Festival Of Mahakali | Trongsa Dzong, Trongsa | 25th – 27th February |
3 | Drubchen | Punakha Dzong, Punakha | 24th – 28th February |
4 | Phurba Dubchen | Doedel Pemacholing Lhakhang, Ramjar, Trashi Yangtse | 26th February – 7th March |
5 | Trashiyangtse Annual 5 Tshechu | Tokaphu Lhakhang, Tongzhang, Trashi Yangtse | 27th February – 1st March |
6 | Khengzor Tshechu | Khengzor Lhakhang, Khar, Pemagatshel | 28th February – 2nd March |
7 | Lichibi Tsechu | Lichibi, Zhemgang | 1st March |
8 | Punakha Tshechue | Punakha Dzong, Punakha | 1st – 3rd March |
9 | Naktshang Tsechu | Nyalamdung Naktshang, Khoma, Lhuntse | 1st – 5th March |
10 | Nganglam Tshechu | Nganglam Lhakhang, Zobel, Pemagatshel | 5th – 7th March |
11 | Tangsibi Mani | Tangsibi Lhakhang, Ura, Bumthang | 6th – 10th March |
12 | Tharpaling Thongdrol | Tharpaling Lhakhang, Chumey,Bumthang | 7th March |
13 | Chenga Kora | Chorten Kora, Trashi Yangtse | 7th March |
14 | Zhuri Duechoed | Zhuri Lhakhang, Chumey, Bumthang | 17th – 18th March |
15 | Gayden Choedpa | Gayden Lhakhang, Ura, Bumthang | 19th – 21st March |
16 | Namgang Kora | Chorten Kora, Trashi Yangtse | 21st March |
17 | Kharphu Lhasol | BjokaTrong, Zhemgang | 24th March |
18 | Zhemgang Dzongkhag Tsechu | Zhemgang Dzong, Zhemgang | 28th – 31st March |
19 | Gasa Tsechu | Gasa Dzong, Gasa | 28th – 31st March |
20 | Tsirang Tshechu | Ragbey Dratshang, Tsirang | 29th – 31st March |
21 | Talo Tsechu | Talo Monastry, Punakha | 29th – 31st March |
22 | Gomkora Tshechu | Gomphu Kora, Trashi Yangtse | 31st March |
23 | Prewchoed | Buli/Tali/Nangkhor, Zhemgang | 31st March |
24 | Bhutan International Marathon Run | Gasa – Punakha | 4th March |
25 | Dzongdra Tshechu | Dzongdrakha Lhakhang, Luni, Paro | 31st March – 7th April |
26 | Paro Tshechu Chhenmo | Ringpung Deyangkha, Paro | 2nd – 6th April |
27 | Khomshar Tsechu | Khomshar, Zhemgang | 6th – 8th April |
28 | Rhododendron Festival | Lamperi Botanical Garden, Dochula, Thimphu | 17th – 19th April |
29 | Rawabi Tshechu | Rawabi Goenpa, Maenbi, Lhuentse | 28th – 30th April |
30 | Tashicholing Lhakhang Tshechu | Tashicholing Lhakhang, Yurung, Pemagatshel | 28th – 30th April |
31 | Dungkhar Tshechu | Dungkhar Lhakhang, Khar, Pemagatshel | 28th April – 1st May |
32 | Dungmed Tshechu | Dungmed Lhakhang, Pemagatshel | 28th – 30th April |
33 | Neyphu Mani | NeyphuGoenpa Shaba Gewog | 30th April |
34 | Domkhar Tshechu | Domkhar Lhakhang, Chumey, Bumthang | 30th April – 2nd May |
35 | Ura Yakchoed | Ura Lhakhang, Ura, Bumthang | 2nd – 6th May |
36 | Dumati Tsechu | Dumati, Lichibi, Zhemgang | 14th May |
37 | Dolay Drupchen | Taktshang Pelphu | 20th – 30th May |
38 | Prew Khowchung | Gangzur, Lhuntse | 30th May |
39 | Prew | Jasabi, Kurtoe, Lhuentse | 30th May – 1st June |
40 | Bonchoed | Trong/Dangkhar, Zhemgang | 3rd June |
41 | Zobel Tshechu | Zobel Lhakhang, Zobel, Pemagatshel | 2nd – 4th June |
42 | Der-choed | Bjoka Trong, Zhemgang | 25th – 28th June |
43 | Dechenling Tshechu | Dechenling Lhakhang, Dechenling, Pemagatshel | 26th – 28th June |
44 | Nimalung Tshechu | Nimalung Dratshang, Bumthang | 26th – 28th June |
45 | Dungsingma Tshechu | Dungsingma, Yurung Pemagatshel | 28th June |
46 | Kurjey Tshechu | Kurjey Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang | 28th June |
47 | Khamdang Tendra Tshechu | Shaksing Goenpa, Khamdang, Trashi Yangtse | 27 & 28th June |
48 | Treldha Tshechu | Geokar Lhakhang, Yalang, Trashi Yangtse | 28th June |
49 | The Sakten Tshechu | Yuejug, Sakteng | 28th June |
50 | Ha Festival | All Chiwogs in Jarey, Lhuentse | 28th June – 2nd July |
51 | The Haa Summer Festival | Dzongkhag Ground, Upper market, Haa | 2nd weekend of July |
52 | Hungla Chokhor | Tokaphu Lhakhang, Tongzhang, Trashi Yangtse | 14th – 16th Aug |
53 | Lhamoi Doey-phang | Ringpung Dzong, Paro | 27th July |
54 | Merak Tsechu/ Semi Nomad Festival | Gengo, Merak | 15th – 16th Aug |
55 | A-hoi Bonchoed | Bjoka Trong, Zhemgang | 19th Aug |
56 | Matsutake Mushroom Festival | Genekha, Thimphu | 20th – 21st Aug |
57 | Dongdorla Duechoed | Bjoka Trong, Zhemgang | 23rd – 26th Aug |
58 | Takila Chham | Takila Lhakhang, Lhuentse | 29th – 31st Aug |
59 | Kesibi Chaa | Kesibi Lhakhang, Maenbi, Lhuentse | 29th – 31st August |
60 | Takila Chha Festival | Takila Lhakhang (old), Lhuentse | 31st August |
61 | Tour Of The Dragon (mountain Bike Race) | Bumthang to Thimphu | 7th September |
62 | Chukor | Shaksing goenpa, Khamdang, Trashi Yangtse | 4th – 14th September |
63 | Chha | Chhusa & Zimpong, Kurtoe, Lhuentse | 17th -19th September |
64 | Thimphu Dromchoe | Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu | 20th September |
65 | Bum Tashi Festival | Gasa Dzong, Gasa | 2nd October |
66 | Dromche | Rinpung Dzong, Paro | 22nd September |
67 | Goenpung Tshechu | Shumar/Goenpun, Pemagatshel | 22nd – 24th September |
68 | Kothakpa Tshechu | Shumar/Kothakpa, Pemagatshel | 22nd – 24th September |
69 | Haa Tsechu | Lhakhang Karpo, Haa | 22nd – 24th September |
70 | Wangdue Tshechu | Tencholing Army Ground, Wangduephodrang | 22nd – 24th September |
71 | Terchen Drupchen | Kichu Lhakhang, Paro | 23rd September – 4th October |
72 | Geling Goenpa Tshechu | Geyling Goenpa, Chukha | 23rd – 24th September |
73 | Lamai Kuchoed | Dorji Gompa, Tang, Bumthang | 23rd – 25th September |
74 | Shaksinggoenpa Tradional Cham Tshechu | Shaksing Goenpa, Khamdang, Trashi Yangtse | 23rd – 25th September |
75 | Jangchubling Wang | Gangzur, Lhuentseg | 24th September |
76 | Thimphu Tshechu | Tashichhodzong, Thimphu | 24th – 26th September |
77 | Tamshing Phala Choedpa | Tamshing Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang | 24th – 26th September |
78 | Ney, Jang And Gangzur Chha | Gangzur, Lhuentse | 24th – 26th September |
79 | Dungsingma Tshechu | Dungsingma, Yurung, Pemagatshel | 27th – 29th September |
80 | Nangkor Tshechu | Shumar, Pemagatshel | 27th – 29th September |
81 | Gangtey Tshechu | Gangtey Goenpa, Phobjikha, Wangduephodrang. | 27th – 29th September |
82 | Thangbi Mewang | Thangbi Lhakhang, Choekor, Bumthang | 29th – 30th September |
83 | Kadam Tshechu | Kadam Lhakhang, Khar, Pemagatshel | 28th – 30th September |
84 | Phuentsholing Thromde Tsechu | Pelden Tashichoelling Shedra, Phuentsholing | 29th September |
85 | Khomshar Kharphu | Khomshar, Zhemgang | 29th September |
86 | Dankala Mani (mantra)/tshechu | Dankala lhakhang Shaba, Paro | 5th -7th December |
87 | Laya Aulay | Laya, Gasa | 22nd – 28th october |
88 | Jomolhari Mountain Festival | Jangkothang, Upper Paro | 14th – 15th October |
89 | Shingkhar rabney | Shingkhar Lhakhang, Ura, Bumthang | 20th – 24th September |
90 | “BHO-YAK” | Janka-kha at upper valley of Haa. | 21st October |
91 | Royal Highland Festival | Laya, Gasa | 23rd – 24th October |
92 | Jakar Tshechu | Jakar Dzong, Bumthang | 21st – 25th October |
93 | Chukha Tshechu | Chukha Ngedrubtse Dzong, Chukha | 23rd – 24th October |
94 | Lanyiri Tshechu | Lanyiri Lhakhang, Dungmin, Pemagatshel | 22nd – 24th October |
95 | Ugyencholing Kangsel | Ugyencholing Dzong, Tang, Bumthang | 22nd – 24th October |
96 | Tshebar Tshechu | Tshebar Lhakhang, Khar, Pemagatshel | 23rd – 25th October |
97 | Goenkar Tsechu | Goenkar, Khoma, Lhuentse | 23rd – 25th October |
98 | Dechenphug Tsechu | Dechenphug lhakhang, Thimphu | 24th October |
99 | Dungmed Tshechu | Dungmed Lhakhang, Dungmin, Pemagatshel | 26th – 28th October |
100 | Pemagatshel Tshechu | Pemagatshel Dzong, Pemagatshel | 26th – 28th October |
101 | Changangkha Lhakhang Tsechu | Changangkha Lhakhang Thimphu | 27th October |
102 | Tshepami Throngdrelu | Ringpung Deyangkha, Paro | 28th October |
103 | Laya Run | Laya, Gasa | 23rd October |
104 | Jambay Lhakang Singye Cham | Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang | 27th November |
105 | Jambay Lhakang Drup | Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang | 28th – 31st October |
106 | Prakar Duechoe | Prakar Lhakang, Bumthang | 29th – 31st October |
107 | Panbang Tsechu | Sonamthang Dratshang, zhemgang | 2nd – 4th November |
108 | Serzhong Tsechu | Do-Ngag Kuenzangcholing Lhakhang, Serzhong, Sarpang | 22nd – 24th October |
109 | Birth Anniversary Of His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck | 11th November | |
110 | Black-necked Crane Festival | Gangtey Goenpa, Phobjikha, Wangdue Phodrang. | 11 November |
111 | Bird Festival | Tingtibi, Zhemgang | 11th -13th November |
112 | Sumthrang Kangsel | Sumthrang Lhakhang, Ura, Bumthang | 9th – 13th November |
113 | Khomshar Katag | Khomshar, Zhemgang | 12th November |
114 | Yeshey Goenpoi Drupchen/ Festival Of Mahakala | Trongsa Dzong, Trongsa | 18th – 20th November |
115 | Mongar Tsechu | Mongar Dzong, Mongar | 19th – 22nd November |
116 | Tang Namkhar Rabney | Tang Namkhar Lhakhang, Tang, Bumthang | 21st – 22nd November |
117 | Dechenling Tshechu | Dechenling Lhakhang, Dechenling, Pemagatshel | 20th – 22nd November |
118 | Menchu Pemaphuendey | Norbugang, Pemagatshel | 20th – 22nd November |
119 | Pema Yoeselcholing Goenpa Tsechu | Kencholing, Geog: Shompangkhag, Sarpang | 4th November |
120 | Geokar Lhakhang Tshechu | Geokar Lhakhang, Yalang, Trashi Yangtse | 22nd – 27th November |
121 | Doedel Pemacholing Tshechu | Doedel Pemacholing Lhakhang, Ramjar, Trashi Yangtse | 24th – 28th November |
122 | Goshing Tsechu | Goshing Trong, Zhemgang | 25th – 26th November |
123 | Phumithang Tsechu | Phumithang Dratshang, Zhemgang | 25th – 27th November |
124 | Gamung Tshechu | Shumar/Gamung, Pemagatshel | 25th – 27th November |
125 | Gongphu Tsechu | Gongphu, Zhemgang | 25th – 27th November |
126 | Buli Tsechu | Buli, Zhemgang | 25th – 27th November |
127 | Khangma Tshechu | Khangma Lhakhang, Yurung, Pemagatshel | 26th – 28th November |
128 | Bjoka Tsechu | Bjoka Trong, Zhemgang | 26th – 29th November |
129 | Chojam Rabney | Chojam Lhakahng, Tang, Bumthang | 27th November |
130 | Ladrong Rabney | Ladrong Lhakhang, Jarey, Lhuentse | 26th – 30th November |
131 | Bonchoed | Trong/Dangkhar, Zhemgang | 27th November |
132 | Kharphu Bonchoed | Shingkhar, Zhemgang | 27th November |
133 | Mamung Tsechu | Mamung Trong, Zhemgang | 27th November |
134 | Tashibi Tsechu | Tashibi, Zhemgang | 27th November |
135 | Nangla Tsechu | Nangla, Trong, Zhemgang | 27th November |
136 | Bonchoed | Buli/Tali/Kikhar/Nangkhor, Zhemgang | 27th November |
137 | Thrisa Tsechu | Thrisa, Zhemgang | 27th – 30th November |
138 | Langdurbi Bonchoed | Langdurbi, Zhemgang | 27th – 29th November |
139 | Nga Lhakhang Zhi | Nga Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang | 27th – 29th November |
140 | Bardo Kharphu | Bardo, Zhemgang | 27th – 30th November |
141 | Chuzangang Tsechu | Chuzangang Lhakhang, Serzhong, Sarpang | 15th November |
142 | Shingkhar Tsechu | Shingkhar, Zhemgang | 27th November – 1st December |
143 | Wamling Tsechu | Wamling, Zhemgang | 27th November – 1st December |
144 | Pangkhar Choedpa | Pangkhar Lhakhang, Ura, Bumthang | 7th – 12th December |
145 | Monpa Festival | Jangbi, Trongsa | 10th December |
146 | Jangchubling Tsechu | Gangzur, Lhuentse | 10th – 11th December |
147 | Druk Wangyel Tshechu | Dochula, Thimphu | 13th December |
148 | Lomba | Individual House, Haa and Paro | 11th December |
149 | Dungkar Tshechu | Kurtoe, Lhuentse | 20th – 22nd December |
150 | Trongsa Annual Tshechu | Trongsa Dzong, Trongsa | 20th – 23rd December |
151 | Lhuentse Dzong (lhuentse Tshechu): | Gangzur Lhuentse | 19th – 23rd December |
152 | Samdrup Jongkhar Annual Tsechu | Samdrup Jongkhar Rabdey | 24th – 26th December |
153 | Kilung Chotpa | Gangzur, Lhuentse | 25th and 26th December |