Festivals in Bhutan

The charming Kingdom of Bhutan blooms into even greater beauty during its religious festivals. Celebrated across the country’s dzongs, monasteries and temples, tsechus, as they are called, take place at different times during the year, usually on the tenth day of the lunar calendar, dedicated to the Buddhist master Guru Rinpoche. Among the most notable are the tsechus in Paro and Thimphu, marked by swirling dancers in magnificent masks and brocade costumes. Bearing deep-rooted Buddhist symbolism, it is believed that these dance-dramas and festivities are spiritually cleansing for the spectator, apart from being buzzing social gatherings. Smaller religious festivals, such as the Chorten Kora in Eastern Bhutan and the Tharpaling Thongdrol in Bumthang offer a more traditional, esoteric experience. Cultural events also feature in Bhutan, with the Nomad Festival in Bumthang and the Black-necked Crane Festival in Phobjikha among the most popular.