Religious Festivals in Bhutan

Religious festivals are important throughout the Tibetan Buddhist world. In Bhutan, there are additional Tsechu (10th day) festivals commemorating the deeds of Padmasambhava. Locally referred to as “Guru Rimpoche,” this eighth century master introduced the Nyingma school of Buddhism to Tibet and Bhutan. All of Guru Rimpoche’s great deeds are believed to have taken place on the 10th day of the month, which is the meaning of the work Tsechu. Most Tsechu festivals last three to five days, one of which falls on the 10th day of the lunar calendar. All the districts, dzongs, and a large number of villages hold annual Tsechus, which attract villagers from far and wide.

For the Bhutanese, attendance at religious festivals offers an opportunity to become immersed in the meaning of their religion. The annual Tseechu festivals also provide the local populace with a wonderful occasion to dress up, gather together, and celebrate. People bring out their finest clothes, their most beautiful jewelry, and enjoy picnics with abundant food and alcohol. Men and women joke and flirt with one another in an atmosphere of convivial good humor.

Of these festivals the Paro Tsechu, in the spring, and the Wangdue and Thimpu Tsechus, in the fall, are the most impressive. These festivals are very popular with western tourists. The festivals in Bumthang and East Bhutan attract fewer tourists and those who want to get a more authentic flavor of Bhutan's cultural and religious extravaganza will be well rewarded.

2014 Tentative Schedule

Festival	Place	Dates
Punakha Dromche and Tshechu	Punakha	March 6 - 13
Chorten Kora	Trashi Yangtse	March 16 & March 30
Gom Kora	Trashigang	April 7 - 9
Paro Tshechu	Paro	April 11 - 15
Chhukha Tshechu	Chhukha	April 13 - 15
Ura Yakchoe	Bumthang	May 10 - 14
Nimalung Tshechu	Bumthang	June 5 - 7
Kurjey Tshechu	Bumthang	June 7
Thimphu Drupchen	Thimphu	September 28 - October 2
Wangdue Tshechu	Wangduephodrang	October 1 - 3
Tamshingphala Choepa	Bumthang	October 2 - 4
Thimphu Tshechu	Thimphu	October 3 - 5
Thangbi Mani	Bumthang	October 7 - 9
Pemagatsel Tshechu	Pemagatshel	November 2
Jambay Lakhang Drup	Bumthang	November 6 - 10
Prakhar Duchhoed	Bumthang	November 7 - 9
Mongar Tshechu	Mongar	November 28 - December 1
Trashigang Tshechu	Trashigang	November 29 - December 2
Nalakhar Tshechu	Bumthang	December 6 - 8
Trongsa Tshechu	Trongsa	December 30 - January 1 (2015)
Lhuntse Tshechu	Lhuntse	December 30 - January 1 (2015)