Festivals are essentially meant to connect people from their roots. They are
the means by which people take a break from their usual hectic life &
work to look back and appreciate the culture & traditions that have
given them a distinct identity and place in this world. While talking about
Bhutan, the festivals are not only a reminder, rather they are an extended
effort of the people to keep their religion and culture intact. These
festivals are also meant to show the world what Bhutan, its past and present
are all about. Last but not the least it is also an occasion to display
various performing art forms of the country.
The most important festival of Bhutan is Tsechu (10th day) which is
celebrated in honour of the Indian saint Guru Padmasambhava. This Guru, who
is believed to have been born from a lotus flower, has contributed immensely
to diffuse the Tantric Buddhism in the country. The major events of the life
the Guru is commemorated around the year on the tenth day of the month in
different districts.
The festival has religious significance with people believing that by
participating in the festival they can attain higher merits. The festival is
marked by colourful and vibrant dances that do not just entertain, but also
bless the spectator and preach them the Buddhist Dharma. Unfurling of the
Thogdrol is the most important event in the entire festival, a simply
viewing of which is considered to wipe off all the evils committed. Tsechus
are celebrated throughout the country at different point of time, however,
the ones celebrated in Paro, Thimpu and Bhumtang are hugely popular with the
tourists.
There are also other festivals that provide a glimpse into the life and
culture of the Bhutanese. .
| Festival of Bhutan |
| Festivals |
Place |
Festivals |
Place |
| PUNAKHA DROMCHE |
PUNAKHA |
THIMPHU TSHECHU |
THIMPHU |
| PUNAKHA TSECHU |
PUNAKHA |
WANGDI TSHECHU |
WANGDI PHODRANG |
| CHORTEN KORA |
TRASHIYANGTSE |
TANGBI MANI |
BUMTHANG |
| GOMKORA |
TRASHIGANG |
JAMBAY LAKHANG DRUP |
BUMTHANG |
| CHHUKHA TSHECHU |
CHHUKHA |
PRAKHAR TSHECHU |
BUMTHANG |
| PARO TSHECHU |
PARO |
NGALAKHAR TSHECHU |
BUMTHANG |
| URA YAKCHOE |
BUMTHANG |
MONGAR TSHECHU |
MONGAR |
| NIMALUNG TSHECHU |
BUMTHANG |
PEMAGATSEL TSHECHU |
PEMAGATSEL |
| KURJEY TSHECHU |
BUMTHANG |
TRASHIGANG TSHECHU |
TRASHIGANG |
| WANGDI TSHECHU |
WANGDI PHODRANG |
TRONGSA TSHECHU |
TRONGSA |
| TAMSHINGPHALA CHOEPA |
BUMTHANG |
LHUNTSE TSHECHU
|
LHUNTSE |
| THIMPHU DRUPCHEN |
THIMPHU |
|
|
Please note that all efforts have been made to confirm the
festival dates with Asssociation of Bhutanese Tour Operators (ABTO). The
dates of the festivals change from year to year because they are based on
the lunar calendar, which itself changes every year.
Bhutan
Tour Itineraries
