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 2021
| SL # | FESTIVAL | PLACE | Date |
| 1 | Punakha Drubchen | Punakha Dzong, Punakha | 12th – 19th Feb |
| 2 | Punakha Tshechu | Punakha Dzong, Punakha | 15th – 17th Feb |
| 3 | Tharpaling Thongdrol | Tharpaling Lhakhang, Chumi, Bumthang | 19th Feb |
| 4 | Gomkora Tshechu | GomKora Lhakhang, Trashiyangtse | 14th – 16th March |
| 5 | Talo Tshechu | Talo Gonpa, Punakha | 14th – 16th March |
| 6 | Gasa Tshechu | Gasa Dzong, Gasa | 13th – 16th March |
| 7 | Zhemgang Tshechu | Zhemgang Dzong, Zhemgang | 13th – 16th March |
| 8 | Paro Tshechu | Rinpung Dzong, Paro | 17th – 21st March (Thongdral on last day) |
| 9 | Chhorten Kora | Chorten Kora, Trashiyangtshe | 21st March & 5th April |
| 10 | Rhododendron Festival | Lamperi Botanical Garden, Dochula, Thimphu | 19th – 21st April |
| 11 | Domkhar Tshechu | Domkhar, Chumni, Bumthang | 14th – 16th April |
| 12 | Ura Yakchoe | Ura Lhakhang, Bumthang | 16th – 20th April |
| 13 | Nimalung Tshechu | Nimalung Dratshang, Chumni, Bumthang | 10th – 12th July |
| 14 | Kurjey Tshechu | Kurjey Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang | 11th July |
| 15 | Haa Summer Festival | Haa | 10th & 11th July |
| 16 | Mushroom Festival | Genekha, Thimphu. | 15th & 16th Aug |
| 17 | Masutaki Mushroom Festival | Ura, Bumthang | 23rd & 24th Aug |
| 18 | Tour of the Dragon (Bicycle Race) | Bumthang to Thimphu | 4th Sept |
| 19 | Thimphu Drubchen | Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu | 12th Sept |
| 20 | Wangdue Tshechu | Tencholing Army Ground, Wangduephodrang | 14th – 16th Sept |
| 21 | Tamshing Phala Chhoepa | Tamshing lhakhang, Bumthang | 16th – 18th Sept |
| 22 | Thimphu Tshechu | Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu | 16th – 20th Sept |
| 23 | Gangtey Tshechu | Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha,Wangduephodrang | 18th – 20th Sept (Thongdral on last day) |
| 24 | Thangbi Mani | Tangbi Lhakhang, Choekor, Bumthang | 12th – 14th Oct |
| 25 | Jhomolhari Mountain Festival | Dangochong, Thimphu | 14th & 15th Oct |
| 26 | Chhukha Tshechu | Chhukha Dzong, Chhukha | 4th – 6th Nov |
| 27 | Jakar Tshechu | Jakar Dzong, Choekhor, Bumthang | 3rd – 7th Nov |
| 28 | Jambay Lhakhang Drup | Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang | 12th – 15th Nov |
| 29 | Prakhar Duchhoed | Prakar Khakhang, Chumni, Bumthang | 13th – 15th Nov |
| 30 | Dechenphu Tshechu | Dechenphu Lhakhang, Thimphu | 8th Nov |
| 31 | Black Necked Crane Festival | Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha, Wangduephodrang | 11th Nov |
| 32 | Mongar Tshechu | Mongar Dzong, Mongar | 3rd – 6th Dec |
| 33 | Trashigang Tshechu | Trashigang Dzong, Trashigang | 3rd – 5th Dec |
| 34 | Jambay Lhakhang Singye Cham | Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang | 12th Dec |
| 35 | Pemagatshel Tshechu | Pemagatshel Dzong, Pemagatshel | 10th – 12th Nov (Thongdral on last day) |
| 36 | Nalakhar Tshechu | Ngaa Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang | 12th – 14th Dec |
| 37 | Druk Wangyel Tshechu | Douchula , Thimphu | 13th Dec |
| 38 | Trongsa Tshechu | Trongsa Dzong, Trongsa | 4th – 7th Jan, 2020 (Thongdral on last day) |
| 39 | Lhuentse Tshechu | Lhuentse Dzong, Lhuentse | 4th – 7th Jan, 2020 (Thongdral on last day) |
| 40 | Nabji Lhakhang Drup | Nabji Lhakhang, Nabji, Trongsa | 10th – 12th Jan, 2020 |