|
FESTIVALS (TSHECHUS)
Festivals known as the "Tsechu" are religious
festivals which are festivals in honour of Guru Rinpoche, the eight
century saint commemorating his great deeds. These great deeds are all
believed to have taken place on the tenth of the month, which is the
meaning of the word “Tsechu”. Tsechus are celebrated for several days,
between three and five days and are the occasion for dances that are
clearly defined in religious content. For the Bhutanese, religious
festivals offer an opportunity to become immersed in the meaning of
their religion and to gain much merits.
They are also the occasion for seeing people and for being seen and
social exchanges. People bring out their finest clothes and has an
atmosphere of convivial, slightly ribald good humour prevails. It is
also an great opportunity for the visitor to interact with the local
people and witness the mask dances, folk songs and be with the
Bhutanese.
Festival Dates 2007
|
Festivals |
Place |
Dates |
|
Punakha Dromche |
Punakha |
21-25 February |
|
Chorten Kora |
Trashiyangtse |
03-19 March |
|
Gom Kora |
Trashigang |
26-28 March |
|
Chhukha Tsechu |
Chhukha |
31 March - 2 April |
|
Paro Tsechu |
Paro |
29 March -2 April |
|
Ura Yakchoe |
Bumthang |
27 April - 1 May |
|
Nimalung Tsechu |
Bumthang |
23-25 June |
|
Kurjey Tsechu |
Bumthang |
25 June |
|
Thimphu
Drupchen |
Thimphu |
16-20 September |
|
Wangdi Tshechu |
Wangdi Phodrang |
20-22 September |
|
Tamshingphala Choepa |
Bumthang |
21-23 September |
|
Thimphu
Tshechu |
Thimphu |
21-23 September |
|
Tangbi Mani |
Bumthang |
25-27 September |
|
Jambay Lhakhang Drup |
Bumthang |
25-29 October |
|
Prakhar Duchhoed |
Bumthang |
26-28 October |
|
Mongar Tshechu |
Mongar |
16-19 November |
|
Pema Gatsel Tshechu |
Pemagatsel |
16-19 November |
|
Trashigang Tshechu |
Trashigang |
17-20 November |
|
Nalakhar Tshechu |
Bumthang |
24-26 November |
|
Trongsa Tshechu |
Trongsa |
18-20 December |
|
Lhuntse Tshechu |
Lhuntse |
18-20 December |
Festival Dates 2008
|
Festivals |
Place |
Dates |
|
Punakha Dromche |
Punakha |
11-15 February |
|
Chorten Kora |
Trashiyangtse |
21 February - 7 March |
|
Gom Kora |
Trashigang |
14-16 March |
|
Chhukha Tsechu |
Chhukha |
19-21 March |
|
Paro Tsechu |
Paro |
17-21 March |
|
Ura Yakchoe |
Bumthang |
16-20 April |
|
Nimalung Tsechu |
Bumthang |
16-20 April |
|
Kurjey Tsechu |
Bumthang |
12 July |
|
Wangdi Tshechu |
Wangdi Phodrang |
7-9 October |
|
Tamshingphala Choepa |
Bumthang |
8-10 October |
|
Thimphu
Drupchen |
Thimphu |
4-8 October |
|
Thimphu
Tshechu |
Thimphu |
9-11 October |
|
Tangbi Mani |
Bumthang |
13-15 October |
|
Jambay Lhakhang Drup |
Bumthang |
12-16 November |
|
Prakhar Duchhoed |
Bumthang |
13-15 November |
|
Nalakhar Tshechu |
Bumthang |
12-14 December |
|
Mongar Tshechu |
Mongar |
4-7 December |
|
Pema Gatsel Tshechu |
Pemagatsel |
4-7 December |
|
Trashigang Tshechu |
Trashigang |
5-8 December |
|
Trongsa Tshechu |
Trongsa |
5-7 January (2009) |
|
Lhuntse Tshechu |
Lhuntse |
5-7 January (2009) |
|
