FESTIVALS

Festivals are a core ingredient of Bhutan’s culture. There are secular as well as religious festivals. While the former is observed to commemorate milestones and significant events of the country such as the National day and others, religious festivals are observed all over the country to commemorate events in the life of Guru PadmaSambhava, who brought Buddhism to Bhutan. It is believed that by attending these festivals, one gains merits and blessings. These festivals are annual events and very special. People turn up in their best costumes for the celebrations.

These festivals are called “Tsechus” and are observed throughout the country. Tsechus last from three to five days and are held in the courtyard of Dzongs and Lhakhangs. Mask dances are the hallmark of Tsechus, wherein laymen as well as monks perform different dances dressed in striking brocade costumes. Thongdrels, which are large scroll paintings of deities, saints and religious figures, are unveiled during the Tsechus. It is believed that a mere glance of these paintings will cleanse one of the sins committed and also liberate one from the cyclic wheel of Samsara.

There are different types of mask dances, which convey different messages. While some depict the victory of good over evil, mask dances also portray “Judgement day” and the realm of bodhisattvas and enlightened teachers. Every dance has different significances.

Other than the religious aspect, Tsechus have social significances. It brings the community together. Thus Tsechus are used as platforms for awareness campaigns, such as the dissemination of information on HIV/AIDS etc

TENTATIVE FESTIVAL DATES FOR 2010

TENTATIVE FESTIVAL DATES FOR 2011