Buddhist Festival

Mongar, situated in eastern Bhutan, earns its moniker as the "Bastion of the Zhongarps," paying homage to the influential Dzongpons of Zhongar who left an indelible mark on the nation's history. Evidence of Zhongar's legacy endures in the form of ruins adjacent to the Lingmethang highway, a precursor to reaching Mongar. The predominant inhabitants of this locale are the Tshanglas and the Kurtoeps, distinguished by their respective languages, Tshanglakha and Kurtoepaikha. Renowned for its masterful wood carvings, the region boasts a rich artistic tradition. Initiated by the visionary third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in 1953, the construction of the new Dzong in Mongar now serves as the epicenter of administration, housing pivotal decision-making processes. An eagerly anticipated local affair is the annual three-day Tshechu, held every November, attracting attendees from far-flung regions like Trashigang and Lhuentse. Additionally, the region hosts various Tshechus throughout the year, each with its own distinctive…

Read more

Though one of Bhutan’s newer celebrations, the Phuentsholing Tshechu has quickly become a vibrant cultural fixture in the southern town. Launched after the establishment of the Dratsang (central monastic body), this annual festival brings together monks, students, and the broader community for three days of sacred mask dances and traditional folk performances. Held every December, the Tshechu is not just a religious event - it’s also a social highlight. Schools and government offices in Phuentsholing close for the festivities, and the celebration draws large crowds, including many visitors from across the border in India. The energy is electric, as students from local schools join monks in performing age-old dances that reflect Bhutan’s deep spiritual heritage. Whether you're a local or a visitor, the Phuentsholing Tshechu offers a powerful glimpse into Bhutanese culture in one of its most accessible towns.

The Jambay Lhakhang Singye Cham unfolds within one of Bhutan's most ancient temples. Legend has it that in the 7th century, Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo constructed 108 temples in a single day to quell demons, with Jambay Lhakhang among them.

The Nalakhar Tshechu, held at Nga Lhakhang in the quaint village of Nalakhar in Bumthang, spans three days of vibrant festivities. Among the cherished events in the Choekhor valley of Bumthang, this annual festival draws attendees from far and wide, each adorned in their finest attire. Marked by joyful celebrations, the festival serves as a beacon of hope, aiming to usher happiness and prosperity into the village and beyond. It stands as a symbolic prayer for bountiful harvests and the well-being of all living beings, embodying the communal spirit and spiritual essence of Bhutanese culture.