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While Paro, Timphu and Bhumtang festivals are the most visited,
please note there is
no reason to feel the other festivals in Bhutan are less important
or interesting! In fact, if you
prefer no or only few tourists, visit especially those
festivals that are among those less promoted. The most
well-known festivals in Bhutan are the religious
dance festivals known as Tsechus. The Tsechus are
held in honour of Guru Padsambhava, the Indian saint who is
associated with the introduction of Tantric Buddhism in the Himalayan regions of
not only Bhutan but also Sikkim, Nepal, Spiti, Ladakh as well as
Tibet some 1200 years ago. The monastic lama dances have deep religious significance,
and should not be missed, if only for one day, while you'll be
visiting Bhutan. Aside the Tsechus, some Dzongs (fortresses)
stage festivals called Dromche, held in
honor of Yeshe Gompo (Mahakala) or Palden Lhama (Mahakali) -
the two main protective deities of Bhutan. Our
Group Festival Tours are noted where
scheduled, while Private Tours can be designed around any festival listed,
just email us your intended travel dates and we will design an
itinerary for you.
Bhutan
Festivals Dates 2008
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Punakha Domchey, Punakha Feb 11- Feb 15
Chorten Kora, Transhiyangtse Feb 21- Mar 7
Gom Kora, Transhiyangtse Mar 14 - Mar 16
Paro Tsechu ,Paro Mar 17 - Mar 21
Chukha Tsechu, Chhukha Mar 19 - Mar 21
Ura Yakchoe, Bumthang April 17 - April 21
Nimalung Tsechu, Bumthang July 11 - July 13
Kurjey Tshechu, Bumthang July
13
Thimphu Drupchen, Thimphu Oct 4 - Oct 8
Wangdi Tsechu, Wangduephodrang Oct 7- Oct 9
Tamshing Phala Choepa, Bumthang Oct 9 - Oct 11
Thimphu Tsechu, Thimphu Oct 9 - Oct 11
Tangbi Mani ,Bumthang Oct 13 - Oct 15
Jambey Lhakhang Drup, Bumthang Nov 13 - Nov 17
Prakhar Tsechu, Bumthang Nov 14 - Nov 16
Mongar Tsechu, Mongar Dec 4 - Dec 7
Pemagatshel Tsechu, Pemagatshel Dec 4 - Dec 7
Trashigang Tsechu, Trashigang Dec 5 - Dec 8
Ngalakhang Tsechu, Bumthang Dec 12 - Dec 14
Trongsa Tsechu, Trongsa Jan 5 - Jan 7 (2009)
Lhuentse Tsechu, Lhuentse Jan 5 - Jan 7 (2009)
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Key point to remember is
that by attending any one of these festivals Bhutanese
believe one
receives blessings and gains merit to improve his or her
relative balance of good and bad deeds that will enhance
one's cycle of birth and rebirth, hence these festivals
are also
social gatherings where people, dressed in their best, come
together to rejoice. |
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