Colorful Festivals of Bhutan

Colorful Festivals of Bhutan

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Bhutan without having to trek!Colorful Festivals of Bhutan Tour, take a step back in time for a glimpse of traditions and customs disappearing from the rest of the Himalayan world. Bhutan, a country of deep religious background will impress you through its magic everywhere. Gigantic mountains covered with thick primeval forests, the generous and welcoming attitude of its unassuming people, who have not rejected their spiritual heritage for modern ways, are all but that make up a for a unique cultural experience.

As you visit the country’s impressive whitewashed dzongs (fortress-monasteries that are thriving centers of worship and culture) and meet the people on hikes through the countryside, you will see how the past remains an integral part of the very vibrant present. A highlight is the Tsechu religious festival, an exuberant and earthy affair featuring fancifully costumed dancers performing masked dance-dramas before hundreds of onlookers. Mingling with the locals in this joyous celebration highlight of their social calendar is a unique honor, bestowed to only a limited number of visitors each year.

The Tshechu is a religious event celebrated on the tenth day of a month of the lunar calendar corresponding to the birthday of Guru Rimpoche (Guru Padmasambhava). However, the exact month of the Tshechu varies from place to place and temple to temple. Tshechus are grand events where entire communities come together to witness religious mask dances, receive blessings and socialize. In addition to the mask dances, tshechus also include colorful Bhutanese dances and other forms of entertainment.

It is believed that everyone must attend a Tshechu and witness the mask dances at least once to in order to receive blessings and wash away their sins. Every mask dance performed during a Tshechu has a special meaning or a story behind it and many are based on stories and incidents from as long ago as the 8th century, during the life of Guru Padmasambhava.

In monasteries, the mask dances are performed by monks and in remote villages, they are performed jointly by monks and village men. Two of the most popular Tshechus in the country is the Paro and Thimphu Tshechus in terms of participation and audience. Besides the locals, many tourists from across the world are attracted to these unique, colorful and exciting displays of traditional culture.