Festivals in Bhutan
 Western Festival
At various times of the year, Bhutanese in towns and villages congregate to witness the masked dance festivals known as tsechus. These colorful events draw thousands of locals, some of whom walk for days in order to attend. While the underlying purpose is spiritual, dances are more often like plays where good triumphs over evil or depict significant historical events, especially surrounding the life of Bhutan 's patron saint, Padmasambhava (also known as guru Rinpoche). There is inevitably a great deal of socializing. it is an opportunity for people to relax and forget the daily routine, to dress in their finest clothes and jewelry but, more importantly, it is an occasion for prayer and blessings.
Tsechus mainly comprise of mask dances in addition to some folk dance entertainment in between. Festivals are not pageants or entertainment events and definitely not held as tourists attraction. They are genuine manifestations of religious traditions thousands of years old, which outsiders are given the privilege to attend.
Name of Festival |
Region |
2000 |
2001 |
Punakha Domche |
Punakha |
10 - 14 February |
28 Feb-03 March |
Chorten Kora Tsechu |
Tashi Yangtse |
19 Feb& 06 March |
09 & 24 March |
Gom Kora Tsechu |
Tashi Yangtse |
13 - 15 March |
1 - 3 April |
Paro Tsechu |
Paro |
15 - 19 March |
4 - 8 April |
Ura Yakchoe |
Bumthang |
13 - 18 April |
3 - 7 May |
Kurjey Tsechu |
Bumthang |
11 June |
30 June |
Nimalung Tsechu |
Bumthang |
9 - 11 July |
28 - 30 June |
Thimphu Tsechu |
Thimpu |
6 - 8 October |
27 - 29 September |
Wangdi Tsechu |
Wangdue |
5 - 7 October |
25 - 27 September |
Tamshining Phala Choepa |
Bumthang |
6 - 8 September |
26 - 28 September |
Thangbi Mani |
Bumthang |
12 - 14 October |
1 - 3 October |
Jambey Lhakhang Drup |
Bumthang |
11 - 15 November |
1 - 5 November |
Jakar Tsechu |
Bumthang |
11 November |
1 November |
Prakhar Tsechu |
Bumthang |
12 - 15 November |
2 - 5 November |
Ngalakhang Tsechu |
Bumthang |
21- 23 November |
11-13 November |
Trashigang Tsechu |
Tashigang |
4 -7 December |
23 - 26 November |
Mongar Tsechu |
Mongar |
3 - 6 December |
22 - 25 November |
Trongsa Tsechu |
Trongsa |
4 - 6 December |
24 - 26 December |
Lhuntshi |
Lhuntshi |
4 - 6 December |
24 - 26 December |
The above dates are subject to change.
Please re-confirm prior to booking your trip.
OTHER SPECIAL HOLIDAYS & CELEBRATIONS (Every Year)
National Day Celebration 17 December
Coronation Day of His Majesty the King 02 June
Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the King 11- 13 November At various times of the year, Bhutanese in towns and villages congregate to witness the masked dance festivals known as Tsechus. These colorful events draw thousands of locals, some of whom walk for days in order to attend. While the underlying purpose is spiritual, dances are more often like plays where good triumphs over evil or depict significant historical events |
