Festivals
Annual religious festivals (tsechus and dromches) dedicated to saints and other deities are celeberated in dzongs (the ancient fotress temples) and other religious institutions around the country usually around the 10th of lunar months. The
Bhutanese values, culture and tradition largely influenced by Buddhism
is clearly depicted at these festivals. The
masked dances disseminate the religious teachings, legends, moral values and the buddhist way of life to the lay Bhutanese people.
The tsechus are spiritual as well as festive occasions for the Bhutanese who attend the festivals in their best ghos (worn by men) and kiras (worn by women). Mask dances (chams) and other rituals showcase dancers dressed in impressive costumes and performed with meditative movements.
2008 Festivals
| Sl. No. | Festival (Place) | |
01. |
Punakha Domchey, Punakha |
February 11-15 |
02. |
Chorten Kora, Trashi Yangtse |
February 21 & March 7 |
03. |
Gom Kora, Trashigang | March 14 - 16 |
04. |
Chhukha Tshechu, Chhukha | March 19 - 21 |
05. |
Paro Tshechu, Paro | March 17 - 21 |
| 06. | Ura Yakchoe, Bumthang | April 16 - 20 |
| 07. | Nimalung Tshechu, Bumthang | June 10 - 12 |
| 08. | Kurjey Tshechu, Bumthang | July 12 |
| 09. | Thimphu Drupchen, Thimphu | October 4 - 8 |
| 10. | Wangdi Tsechu (Wangduephodrang) | October 7 - 9 |
| 11. | Tamshing Phala Choepa, Bumthang | October 8 - 10 |
| 12. | Thimphu Tsechu, Thimphu | October 9 - 11 |
| 13. | Tangbi Mani, Bumthang | October 13 - 15 |
| 14. | Jampey Lhakhang Drup, Bumthang | November 12 - 16 |
| 15. | Prakhar Tsechu, Bumthang | November 13 - 15 |
| 16. | Mongar Tsechu, Mongar | December 4 - 7 |
| 17. | Pemagatshel Tsechu, Pemagatshel | December 4 - 7 |
| 18. | Trashigang Tsechu, Trashigang | December 5 - 8 |
| 19. | Ngalakhang Tsechu, Bumthang | December 12 - 14 |
| 20. | Trongsa Tsechu, Trongsa | January 5 - 7 (2009) |
| 21. | Lhuentse Tsechu, Lhuentse | January 5 - 7 (2009) |
2009 Festivals
| Sl. No. | Festival (Place) | |
01. |
Punakha Dromche (Punakha) |
March 1-8 |
02. |
Chorten Kora (Trashi Yangtse) |
March 11 & March 26 |
03. |
Gom Kora (Trashigang) | April 2-4 |
04. |
Chhukha Tshechu (Chhukha) | April 7-9 |
05. |
Paro Tshechu, Paro | April 5-9 |
| 06. | Ura Yakchoe, Bumthang | May 5-9 |
| 07. | Nimalung Tshechu, Bumthang | June 30-July 2 |
| 08. | Kurjey Tshechu, Bumthang | July 2 |
| 09. | Thimphu Drupchen, Thimphu | September 23-27 |
| 10. | Wangdue Tsechu, Wangduephodrang | September 26-28 |
| 11. | Tamshing Phala Choepa, Bumthang | September 27-29 |
| 12. | Thimphu Tsechu, Thimphu | September 28-30 |
| 13. | Tangbi Mani, Bumthang | October 3-5 |
| 14. | Jambay Lhakhang Drup, Bumthang | November 2-6 |
| 15. | Prakhar Tsechu, Bumthang | November 3-5 |
| 16. | Mongar Tsechu, Mongar | November 25-27 |
| 17. | Pemagatshel Tsechu, Pemagatshel | November 25-27 |
| 18. | Trashigang Tsechu, Trashigang | November 26-28 |
| 19. | Ngalakhar Tsechu, Bumthang | December 2-4 |
| 20. | Trongsa Tsechu, Trongsa | December 25-27 |
| 21. | Lhuentse Tsechu, Lhuentse | December 25-27 |
