Bhutan Festival Tours
Festivals in the Kingdom of Bhutan are rich and happy expressions of its ancient Buddhist culture. These religious festivals are locally known as Tsechu which means tenth day of a month in Bhutanese lunar calendar corresponding to the birthday of Guru Rinphoche. Tsechus are held throughout Bhutan in honour of Guru Rinpoche, the saint who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th Century. Festivals are held from 10th day of auspicious Bhutanese months at the dzongs (fortresses) or at monasteries and usually last for 3 to 5 days. During Tsechus religious mask dances and folk dances are performed with occasional entertainment by Astara (clowns).
Festivals are also a time for a big family and social gathering occasions for Bhutanese people. People from all walks of life come to witness the festivals in their finest cloths and most resplendent jewelry of corals and turquoise. They pack their picnic lunches in their traditional colorful containers made out of bamboo and stay all day at the festivals.
Tsechus are a rich form of the oral history and traditions where Bhutanese pass on values, mythology and spiritual beliefs through the dance dramas. Many of the Tsechus conclude with unfurling of Thongdroel , a giant silk Thangkha ( painting) depicting Guru Rinpoche or some other important Buddhist deity. The thongdroel is unveiled at dawn to bring blessings to all who view it.
