Dromche

Rinpung Dzong Paro, Bhutan

Wangdue Tshechu

WangduePhodrang Dzong Wangduephodrang, Bhutan

Nestled amidst the majestic peaks of Bhutan's central region lies the picturesque district of Wangdue Phodrang. Every year, this tranquil haven comes alive with the vibrant hues and soulful melodies of the Wangdue Phodrang Tsechu, an annual religious and cultural festival that holds deep significance for the local community and visitors alike. The tshechu is performed at the dzong which has been rebuilt following a devastating fire over ten years ago. At the heart of the Wangdue Phodrang Tsechu lies a deep reverence for Bhutan's rich spiritual heritage. This three-day spectacle, held on the 10th day of the lunar month, is dedicated to celebrating the life of Guru Padmasambhava, a revered Buddhist teacher who played a pivotal role in introducing Buddhism to Bhutan. The festival's courtyard transforms into a mesmerizing stage for a series of captivating mask dances, each carrying symbolic meaning and embodying the teachings of Buddhism. The Shazam…

Read more

Phongmey Tshechu

Wogmin Ugyen Choling Lhakhang Trashigang, Bhutan

Wamrong Tshechu

Wamrong Lhakhang Trashigang, Bhutan

Drametse Tshechu

Thechog Ugyen Namdrol Choling Monastery Mongar, Bhutan

Nimalung Tshechu

Nimalung Dratshang, Chumey Bumthang, Bhutan

The Nimalung Festival is conducted at Nimalung Lhakhang, situated in Chumey within the Bumthang region. This Tshechu is an annual event, taking place in the 5th month of the Bhutanese calendar. A remarkable highlight is the display of a colossal 9-meter-wide Thongdrol of Guru Rimpoche, which not only evokes awe but is also believed to purify the sins of all who gaze upon it. Throughout the Tshechu, a series of vibrant and mesmerizing mask dances are performed.

Kurjey Tshechu

Kurje Lhakhang Bumthang, Bhutan

Kurjey Tshechu, also known as the Kurjey Festival, is celebrated in Bumthang at Kurjey Lhakhang, which consists of three temples located in Chokhor Valley. This annual festival occurs in July. The oldest temple, established by Lama Minjur Tempa, dates back to 1652, while the second temple was constructed by Gongsa Ugyen Wangchuk in 1900. The third temple, built by Queen Mother Ashi Kezang Choden Wangchuk, was completed in 1990.

Thimphu Drubchen

Trashichhoedzong Thimphu, Bhutan

In the vibrant capital of Bhutan, Thimphu, a unique religious festival known as Thimphu Drubchen takes center stage, preceding the grand spectacle of Thimphu Tshechu. This is held over three days before Tshechu and is a deeply rooted tradition that has captivated both locals and visitors for centuries. However, the 2nd day is considered the most important. The origins of Thimphu Drubchen can be traced back to the early 18th century, when Kuenga Gyeltshen, the first reincarnation of Jampel Dorji and son of Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyel, introduced it. According to legend, Kuenga Gyeltshen witnessed the deity Palden Lhamo performing sacred dances while he was in meditation. Inspired by this divine vision, he initiated the Drubchen ceremony. The heart of Thimphu Drubchen lies in its mesmerizing mask dances, performed by monks and dedicated to Palden Lhamo, the protector deity of Bhutan. These dances, believed to possess the power to ward off…

Read more