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.
TENTATIVE FESTIVAL DATES FOR 2020
|
Sl.no. |
FESTIVAL |
PLACE |
DATES |
|
1 |
Punakha Drubchen |
Punakha Dzong, Punakha |
2nd -4th March |
|
2 |
Punakha Tshechu |
Punakha Dzong, Punakha |
5th -7th March |
|
3 |
Tharpaling Thongdrol |
Tharpaling Lhakhang, Chumi |
9th March |
|
4 |
Gomphukora |
Gom Kora Lhakhang, Trashigang |
1st -3rd April |
|
5 |
Talo Tshechu |
Talo Gonpa, Punakha |
1st -3rd April |
|
6 |
Gasa Tshechu |
Gasa Dzong, Gasa |
1st -3rd April |
|
7 |
Zhemgang Tshechu |
Zhemgang Dzong, Zhemgang |
1st -3rd April |
|
8 |
Paro Tshechu |
Rinpung Dzong, Paro |
4th -8th April |
|
9 |
Chhorten Kora |
Chorten Kora, Trashiyangtshe |
8th April & 22nd April |
|
10 |
Domkhar Tshechu |
Domkhar, Chumni, Bumthang. |
3rd -5th May |
|
11 |
Ura Yakchoe |
Ura Lhakhang, Bumthang |
4th – 8th May |
|
12 |
Nimalung Tshechu |
Nimalung Dratshang, |
30th June– 1st July |
|
13 |
Kurjey Tshechu |
Kurjey Lhakhang, |
30th June |
|
14 |
Tour of the Dragon |
Bumthang to Thimphu |
5th Sept |
|
15 |
Thimphu Drubchen |
Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu |
22nd Sept |
|
16 |
Wangdue Tshechu |
Tencholing Army Ground, |
24th – 26th Sept |
|
17 |
Tamshing Phala Chhoepa |
Tamshing lhakhang, Bumthang |
26th – 28th Sept |
|
18 |
Thimphu Tshechu |
Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu |
26th – 28th Sept |
|
19 |
Gangtey Tshechu |
Gangtey Gonpa, |
28th Sept – 1st Oct |
|
20 |
Thangbi Mani |
Tangbi Lhakhang, Choekor, Bumthang |
29th Sept– 2nd Oct |
|
21 |
Jakar Tshechu |
Jakar Dzong, Choekhor, Bumthang. |
23rd -27th Oct |
|
22 |
Chhukha Tshechu |
Chhukha Dzong, Chhukha |
24th – 26th Oct |
|
23 |
Jambay Lhakhang Drup |
Jambay Lhakhang, |
31st -3rd Nov |
|
24 |
Prakhar Duchhoed |
Prakar Khakhang, Chumni, |
1st – 3rd Nov |
|
25 |
Dechenphu Tshechu |
Dechenphu Lhakhang, Thimphu |
26th Oct |
|
26 |
Black Necked Crane Festival |
Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha, |
11th Nov |
|
27 |
Mongar Tshechu |
Mongar Dzong, Mongar |
21st – 24th Nov |
|
28 |
Trashigang Tshechu |
Trashigang Dzong, Trashigang. |
22nd -25th Nov |
|
29 |
Jambay Lhakhang Singye |
Jambay Lhakhang,Choekhor, Bumthang |
30th Nov |
|
30 |
Pemagatshel Tshechu |
Pemagatshel Dzong, Pemagatshel. |
21st – 24th Nov |
|
31 |
Nalakhar Tshechu |
Ngaa Lhakhang, Choekhor, |
30th – 2nd Dec |
|
32 |
Druk Wangyel Tshechu |
Douchula , Thimphu |
13th Dec |
|
33 |
Trongsa Tshechu |
Trongsa Dzong, Trongsa |
10th – 13th Dec |
|
34 |
Lhuentse Tshechu |
Lhuentse Dzong, Lhuentse |
21st – 24th Dec |
|
35 |
Nabji Lhakhang Drup |
Nabji Lhakhang, Nabji, Trongsa |
29th –31st Dec |