Festival tours in Bhutan
Festival tours in Bhutan is mostly about the religious, and it is known as Tshechu in local language; are held many parts of Bhutan as a tribute to Guru Padsambhava (known as Guru Rimpoche); the one who was born from lotus flower and introduced the Nyingma School of Buddhism into Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan in 8th century.
Tshechu are grand events where entire communities come together to witness religious mask dances, receive blessings and socialize. In addition to the mask dances Tshechu 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 Tshechu in the country are the Paro and Thimpu Tshechu 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.
Major festival dates in Bhutan are...
- Nomad festival – Bumthang – 23 February 2017
- Rhododendron festival – Lamperi Botanical Park – 14 to 16 April 2017
- Haa Summer festival – Haa valley – 8 and 9 July 2017
- Genekha Mushroom festival – Genekha – 15 to 16 August 2017
- Matsutake Mushroom festival – Ura – 23 to 24 August 2017
- Jomolhari Mountain festival – Jangothang – 14 to 15 October 2017 – tentative
- Royal Highland festival – Laya – 23 to 24 October 2017
- Black Necked Crane festival – Gangtey – 11 November 2017
- Druk Wangyel festival – Dochu La – 13 December 2017
