Phuntsholing Tshechu

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.