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Festivals in the Land of the Thunder Dragon are rich and happy expressions of its ancient Buddhist culture. These festivals are held in all districts in honour of Guru Rinpoche, the saint who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century. Tsechus are held on auspicious days and months in the Bhutanese calendar, and last up to four days in which a series of highly stylised masked dance rituals are performed.
Festivals are also a big family and social occasion. People dress up in their finest clothes and most resplendent jewelry of coral and turquoise. They pack picnic lunches in their traditional bamboo baskets and stay all day at the festivals which are usually held in the dzongs (fortresses) or at monasteries.
Behind the scenes, the monks prepare themselves for weeks ahead of the festival, involved in deep prayer and meditation prior to the festival. The monks perform special masked dances that are inspirations of enlightened beings in history; and the Bhutanese believe that watching these mystical dances is essential to gain enlightenment. All Bhutanese try to attend a festival at least once in a lifetime, and for many, it is an important annual affair where they consider it a blessing to be able to watch the dances. Apart from the monks, community dancers also participate in the local festivals.
| Festival | Town | First Day | Last Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Punakha Dromche » | Punakha | Feb 8, 2011 | Feb 12, 2011 |
| Punakha Tshechu | Punakha | Feb 13, 2011 | Feb 15, 2011 |
| Chorten Kora | Trashiyangtse | Feb 18, 2011 | Mar 4, 2011 |
| Talo Tsechu » | Punakha | Mar 13, 2011 | Mar 15, 2011 |
| Gomkora » | Trashigang | Mar 13, 2011 | Mar 15, 2011 |
| Paro Tshechu » | Paro | Mar 15, 2011 | Mar 19, 2011 |
| Chukha Yakchoe | Chhukha | Mar 17, 2011 | Mar 19, 2011 |
| Ura Yakchoe | Bumthang | May 13, 2011 | May 17, 2011 |
| Nimalung Tshechu Travel Plan » | Bumthang | Jul 8, 2011 | Jul 10, 2011 |
| Haa Valley Summer Festival » | Haa Valley | Jul 9, 2011 | Jul 10, 2011 |
| Kurjey Tshechu | Bumthang | July 10, 2011 | |
| Thimphu Drupchen | Thimphu | Oct 2, 2011 | Oct 2, 2011 |
| Wangdi Tshechu | Wangdue | Oct 4, 2011 | Oct 6, 2011 |
| Tamshingphala Choepa | Bumthang | Oct 5, 2011 | Oct 7, 2011 |
| Thimphu Tshechu | Thimphu | Oct 6, 2011 | Oct 8, 2011 |
| Tangbi Mani | Bumthang | Oct 10, 2011 | Oct 12, 2011 |
| Shingkhar Rabney | Ura, Bumthang | Nov 1, 2011 | Nov 5, 2011 |
| Jakar Tshechu | Bumthang | Nov 3, 2011 | Nov 6, 2011 |
| Jambay Lhakhang Drup | Bumthang | Nov 10, 2011 | Nov 14, 2011 |
| Black-Necked Crane Festival | Gangtey | Nov 11, 2011 | Nov 11, 2011 |
| Prakhar Tshechu Travel Plan » | Bumthang | Nov 11, 2011 | Nov 13, 2011 |
| Mongar Tshechu | Mongar | Dec 1, 2011 | Dec 4, 2011 |
| Trashigang Tshechu | Trashigang | Dec 2, 2011 | Dec 5, 2011 |
| Nalakhang Tshechu | Bumthang | Dec 10, 2011 | Dec 12, 2011 |
| Dochula Festival (Inaugural) | Dochula Pass | Dec 13, 2011 | Dec 15, 2011 |
| Trongsa Tshechu | Trongsa | Jan 2, 2012 | Jan 4, 2012 |
| Lhuntse Tshechu | Lhuntse | Jan 2, 2012 | Jan 4, 2012 |
| Nabji Lhakhang Drup | Nabji, Trongsa | Jan 9, 2012 | Jan 13, 2012 |
| Shingkhar Metochodpa | Ura, Bumthang | Jan 9, 2012 | Jan 9, 2012 |
Source: ABTO
The tsechus are a rich form of the oral history tradition where the Bhutanese pass on values, mythology and spiritual beliefs through the dance dramas. Many of the tsechus culminate with a rare display of a giant silk applique thangkha (painting) depicting Guru Padmasambava or some other important Buddhist deity.
People’s deep faith and devotion make these festivals a special occasion. At the same time, it is also an opportunity to join hundreds, and even thousands, of Bhutanese in taking part in an important religious and social occasion that often exudes a carnival atmosphere.
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What Our Travellers Say
Druk Asia has strong networks with DrukAir and local tour agencies, making logistics a total breeze. The itinerary was well-planned yet flexible enough to accommodate different needs. We could decide when we wanted to get up, which places to visit or simply recuperate in solitude. Will go with Druk Asia again if I were to go back for spring or autumn. Won’t have it any other way!
My trip to Bhutan was pleasant and well organized by Druk Asia. I was very happy and comfortable with my tour guide, Tshering, and had absolute confidence in my driver, Chimmi. Tshering kept me entertained throughout the trip with histories and stories about Bhutan while Chimmi was an excellent driver. Bhutan is a very beautiful country with its unique Buddhist culture and a nation of very warm people. The sceneries were spectacular and its culture charming. I will definitely visit Bhutan again and recommend Druk Asia to my friends.
I knew this Druk Asia through my friend who initially asked me to go to Bhutan. I have to say this travel is excellent. We went to Bhutan through Thailand and the next day we missed the flight. Bhutan’s flight is a bit strange in a sense that we need to be at Thai’s airport 2 hours before departure. The gate closed quite early. Druk Asia helped us a lot to arrange our next day flight. During our time in Bhutan, this travel agent frequently asked our condition there whether we were alright or not. This sense of caring is simply excellent, particularly for the country like Bhutan which is in the Himalayan continent. I really grateful to go to this country with Druk Asia. Excellent!
Just wanted to let both of you know that we had a great time in Bhutan. Thanks for looking into the details. Both our guide and driver were great. Thanks again!
Back from Bhutan, I wanted to let you know that this has probably been the best holiday I ever had. Bhutan is really a wonderful place, the people are so friendly and the landscape gorgeous. We also had the best weather one could ask for, and that helped. We have been very happy the whole tour. One suggestion I would give you is to propose your future clients to spend 1 night in a farmhouse. We did, and we loved it. The host was absolutely nice and the experience of sharing dinner, breakfast and the ordinary life of a Bhutanese family was absolutely fantastic.
An unique experience! We had wonderful time in Bhutan. Though it was a short trip, we enjoyed natural beauty, spectacular view and warm friendly people. We have been many countries but this trip was something different, ...memorable and nostalgic.
