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MASK DANCE
A CELEBRATION OF CULTURE, FAITH, AND HAPPINESS
Festivals in the Landof the Thunder Dragon
Festivals in Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon, are lively and joyous expressions of its deeply rooted Buddhist culture. These festivals, known as tshechu, are held in every district of the country in honor of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), the revered master who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century.
Tshechus are conducted in monasteries, dzongs (fortresses), or temples of local communities on auspicious dates according to the Bhutanese lunar calendar. These celebrations typically last up to four days, featuring a series of highly stylized masked dances, or chham, performed by monks and laymen. Each dance carries profound spiritual significance, depicting historical events, Buddhist teachings, and the triumph of good over evil.
More than a spiritual ceremony, festivals in Bhutan are significant social and family occasions. People dress in their finest traditional attire, showcasing animated ghos and kiras along with exquisite jewelry made of coral, turquoise, and other precious stones. Families and friends gather with beautifully packed picnic lunches in traditional bamboo baskets, spending the entire day immersed in the festive atmosphere.
In Bhutan, the tshechu is more than just a celebration; it is an essential mechanism for promoting happiness, harmony, and the strengthening of social and community bonds.
These festivals are seen as a living representation of Bhutanese values and traditions, emphasizing the principles of Gross National Happiness (GNH)—a unique development philosophy that prioritizes the well-being and cultural preservation of its people.
For visitors, attending a tshechu offers a profound insight into Bhutan’s rich spiritual heritage, the warmth of its people, and the colorful tapestry of its traditions. Whether it is the hypnotic rhythm of the masked dances, the joyful gathering of families, or the serene backdrop of majestic dzongs and mountains, Bhutanese festivals leave an indelible mark on all who experience them.
Festival Schedule 2025
Festival | Place | Date |
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Trongsa Tshechu | Trongsa Dzong, Trongsa | 9th – 11th Jan 2025 |
Lhuentse Tshechu | Lhuentse Dzong, Lhuentse | 8th – 10th Jan 2025 |
Samdrupjongkhar Tshechu | Samdrupjongkhar | 11th – 13th Jan 2025 |
Punakha Drubchen | Punakha Dzong, Punakha | 6th – 8th March 2025 |
Punakha Tshechu | Punakha Dzong, Punakha | 9th – 11th March 2025 |
Tharpaling Thongdrol | Tharpaling Lhakhang, Chumi, Bumthang | 14th March 2025 |
Tangsibi Mani | Tangsibi Lhakhang, Ura Bumthang | 15th – 17th March 2025 |
Chhorten Kora | Chorten Kora, Trashiyangtshe | 14th March & 29th March 2025 |
Rhododendron Week | Merak and Sakteng Region, Trashigang | 3rd – 9th April 2025 |
Gomphukora | Gom Kora Lhakhang, Trashigang | 5th – 7th April 2025 |
Talo Tshechu | Talo Gonpa, Punakha | 5th – 7th April 2025 |
Gasa Tshechu | Gasa Dzong, Gasa | 5th – 7th April 2025 |
Zhemgang Tshechu | Zhemgang Dzong, Zhemgang | 5th – 7th April 2025 |
Paro Tshechu | Rinpung Dzong, Paro | 8th – 12th April 2025 |
Rhododendron Festival | Lamperi Botanical Park, Thimphu | 22nd – 24th April 2025 |
Domkhar Tshechu | Domkhar, Chumi, Bumthang | 7th – 9th May 2025 |
Ura Yakchoe | Ura Lhakhang, Bumthang | 9th – 13th May 2025 |
Nimalung Tshechu | Nimalung Dratshang, Chumi, Bumthang | 3rd – 5th July 2025 |
Kurjey Tshechu | Kurjey Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang | 5th July 2025 |
Mushroom Festival | Genekha, Geneyzam, Thimphu | 15th – 16th August 2025 |
Tour of the Dragon | Bumthang to Thimphu | 6th September 2025 |
Thimphu Drubchen | Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu | 28th September 2025 |
Wangdue Tshechu | Wangduephodrang | 30th September – 2nd October 2025 |
Tamshing Phala Chhoepa | Tamshing Lhakhang, Bumthang | 2nd – 4th October 2025 |
Thimphu Tshechu | Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu | 2nd – 4th October 2025 |
Gangtey Tshechu | Gangtey Gonpa, Wangduephodrang | 5th – 7th October 2025 |
Thangbi Mewang | Thangbi Lhakhang, Choekor, Bumthang | 7th – 8th October 2025 |
Pemagatshel Tshechu | Pemagatshel Dzong, Pemagatshel | 29th October – 1st November 2025 |
Haa Annual Tshechu | Haa | 29th – 31st October 2025 |
Jhomolhari Mountain Festival | Dangochong, Thimphu | 14th – 15th October 2025 |
Royal Highland Festival | Laya, Gasa | 23rd – 24th October 2025 |
Chhukha Tshechu | Chhukha Dzong, Chhukha | 29th – 31st October 2025 |
Dechenphu Tshechu | Dechenphu Lhakhang, Thimphu | 31st October 2025 |
Jakar Tshechu | Jakar Dzong, Choekhor, Bumthang | 29th October – 1st November 2025 |
Jambay Lhakhang Drup | Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang | 5th – 8th November 2025 |
Prakhar Duchhoed | Prakar Khakhang, Chumni, Bumthang | 6th – 8th November 2025 |
Black Necked Crane Festival | Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha, Wangduephodrang | 11th November 2025 |
Mongar Tshechu | Mongar Dzong, Mongar | 28th – 30th November 2025 |
Trashigang Tshechu | Trashigang Dzong, Trashigang | 29th November – 1st December 2025 |
Phuntsholing Tshechu | Phuntsholing, Chhukha | 28th – 30th November 2025 |
Jambay Lhakhang Singye Cham | Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang | 4th December 2025 |
Nalakhar Tshechu | Nga Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang | 4th – 6th December 2025 |
Druk Wangyel Tshechu | Douchula, Thimphu | 13th December 2025 |
Trongsa Tshechu | Trongsa Dzong, Trongsa | 27th – 31st December 2025 |
Lhuentse Tshechu | Lhuentse Dzong, Lhuentse | 27th – 31st December 2025 |
Samdrupjongkhar Tshechu | Samdrupjongkhar | 1st – 3rd January 2026 |
Nabji Lhakhang Drup | Nabji Lhakhang, Nabji, Trongsa | 3rd – 5th January 2026 |
Featuring sacred masked dances, traditional music, and communal prayers, Tshechus are opportunity for Bhutanese people to gather, celebrate, and seek blessings.
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These traditional dances, performed by monks and laymen, depict Buddhist teachings and Bhutanese folklore, embodying spiritual significance.
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Festivals are considered auspicious, offering attendees blessings and an opportunity to cleanse negative karma.
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Tshechus feature colorful costumes, traditional music, and Bhutanese rituals, showcasing the nation’s rich heritage.
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Festivals bring people together, fostering unity and joy while strengthening Bhutan’s cultural identity.
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