Paro Festival – 21 to 25 March, 2024

Rinpong Dzong, Paro

• One of the most popular festivals in Paro is the Paro Tshechu that has been celebrated there since the 1644 and Tshechu is celebrated in other districts of Bhutan as well. Tshechu is life depiction of what the historic days in Bhutan used to be like whereby; there is live mask dances are performed by monks and laymen who work at the Dzong.

• Tshechu is celebrated as a tribute Guru Rinpoche for all his great contributions to the country and who helped build Buddhism in the nation. What’s different about Paro Tshechu is there is a grand showcase of the ‘Thongdroel Thangka’ that is a sacred scroll with a picture in it during the last day of the festival which significance liberation.
• The Paro Tshechu take place during spring time that is around month of March or April and it is grand display of color and life.  This indeed a chance to achieve blessing and cleanse sins and locals usually don’t want to miss. Tourist will surely enjoy this one of kind festival and at the same time get the feeling of being blessed. It is a great opportunity to explore Bhutanese culture and take some mind blowing photographs.

Gangtey Festival – 16, 17 & 18 Sept, 2024

• The festival is held at Gangtey Goenpa in Phobjikha valley – the winter roosting ground of the migratory and rare black-necked cranes. Different kinds of mask dances are performed during the festival.

• The festival concludes with the Nguedup Langwa (receiving of spiritual wisdom/ power) which is a special lessing ritual for the people.

Wangdue Phodrang Festival – 11 to 13 Sept, 2024

• The festival is held in Wangduephodrang and is observed for three days in the autumn season. The Tshechu is well known for the Raksha Mangcham or the dance of the Ox.
  
  
• Many different kinds of mask dances are performed during the festival. It concludes with the unfurling of the Guru Tshengye hongdrol.

Kurje Lhankhang Festival – 11 July, 2019

• Kurjey Tsechu is celebrated in the popular Kurjey Lakhang in Bumthang. People of Jakar and Kurjey villages attend the Tshechu to pay obeisance to Guru Rinpoche who brought Buddhism to Bhutan.
  
  
• It is a one-day festival and the chams/dances include the Guru Tshengye and Shinjay cham performed by the monks of Kurjey Lhakhang.  It is then closed with unfurling of a giant Buddha/Guru Thangka painting known as thongdrel. The festival is fully supported and funded by the government of Bhutan.

Mr. Mikki Tenazas

Finally made it to Bhutan! I’ve dreamed of visiting this country for the longest time, and it’s finally happened with Bhutan Peaceful Tours and Treks. I have learned so much about this unique and isolated country making it unforgettable experiences.

Thimphu City

• Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, occupies a valley in the country’s western interior. In addition to being the government seat, the city is known for its Buddhist sites. The massive Tashichho Dzong is a fortified monastery and government palace with gold-leaf roofs.

• The Memorial Chorten, a whitewashed structure with a gold spire, is a revered Buddhist shrine dedicated to Bhutan’s third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

• People here are humble and hardworking. The day start with energetic sweepers making the street clean keeping Thimphu well clean. One rushing with fast pace towards respective office

• Nearby Wangchu River noisy super market where Bhutan produce are available for self consumption and commercial purpose.

Punakha Festival – 19, 20 & 21 Mar, 2024

• Punakha Tshechu (festival) is one of the most popular festivals in the Punakha district with amazing color and liveliness at its fullest energy. Everyone who comes to this festival have a sense of joy bestowed within them as they know that they are going to achieve blessings and sanctifications there.
  
  
• Tshechu in all districts even Punakha Tshechu is celebrated in honor of the aristocrat of Buddhism Guru Rinpoche. There are beautiful and elegant Mask dances performed by monks and laymen who make it seem so easy but the reality is that it is very difficult to perform. These men have to work very hard to practice these steps and be alert always.
  
  
• This festival is celebrated in the beautiful Punakha Dzong and is chance to witness and experience ancient Bhutanese culture and tradition in real life. Moreover, it is an opportunity to take part with the locals in celebration that provides one with blessing and sanctification. At the end of the ceremonies the Thongdrel Thangkha is showcased and it is believed to cleanse sins of the people who see it. Punakha Tshechu is usually celebrated around spring time, usually can lasts till three days.

Genekha Mushroom Festival – 15 & 16 Aug, 2024

• During the festival, the native mushroom and other local product, Mushroom hunting, cultural programs by the school & local community will be showcased. The objective of the festival is to create awareness on the sustainable harvesting of the local mushroom and enjoy the organic natural flavors of our nature.

Thimphu Festival – 13 to 15 September, 2024

• The festival called Tshechu is celebrated across many districts of Bhutan including Thimphu. However, the dates for the festival can vary throughout different months and seasons of the year.
  
  
• Hundreds and thousands of people, both local and foreigners come to attend this event as there are prayer and special ceremonies perform in order to pray and serve the Gods. The tshechu first started in 1867.
  
  
• Some of the special performances that can be witnessed at Thimphu Tshechu are many types of mask dance with significant meanings and traditional dances. In order to celebrate this special festival, people rejoice by wearing their best attires.
  
  
• Previously Tshechus were quite plain but under the great initiative of His Majesty The Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, the festival got livelier as more colors and variations created in event.
  
  
• Names of some of the  mask dance performances would be the  Guru Tshengye (Eight Manifestation of Guru), Shaw Shachi (Dance of the Stags) and there is a special feature of the Atsara who  entertains the crowd with his jolly entertaining ways is very fun to watch.
  
  
• It is organized at the Thimphu Dzong and it’s a popular in demand as the venue is crowded with people during the festival which goes on total of three days. For outsiders it may be a little confusing at first but after the guidance, things become clearer.
  
  
• This popular festival in Thimphu and across of whole of Bhutan is a must see.

Masutake