Tshechus (Festivals) are grand events where entire communities come together to witness religious mask dances, receive blessings, and socialize. In addition to the mask dances, tshechus also include colorful Bhutanese dances and other forms of entertainment.
It is believed that everyone must attend a Tshechu and witness the mask dances at least once to receive blessings and wash away their sins. Every mask dance performed during a Tshechu has a special meaning or a story behind it and many are based on stories and incidents from as long ago as the 8th century, during the life of Guru Padmasambhava. In monasteries, the mask dances are performed by monks, and in remote villages, they are performed jointly by monks and village men.
Two of the most popular Tshechus in the country are the Paro and Thimphu Tshechus in terms of participation and audience. Besides the locals, many tourists from across the world are attracted to these unique, colorful, and exciting displays of traditional culture.
TENTATIVE FESTIVAL DATES FOR 2023 & 2024
| SN | FESTIVAL | PLACE | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Takin Festival | Damji, GASA | ||
| 2 | Merak Tsechu / Semi Nomad Festival | Gengo, Merak | 7th-8th Jul | 15th – 16 Aug |
| 3 | Bhutan International Marathon | (Annual Event organized by BOC) |
4th Mar | |
| 4 | Punakha Drubchen | Punakha Dzong, Punakha | 16-18 Feb | 6th – 8th Mar |
| 5 | Punakha Tshechu | Punakha Dzong, Punakha | 19th -21st Feb | 9th – 11th Mar |
| 6 | Tharpaling Thongdrol | Tharpaling Lhakhang, Chumi, Bumthang |
24th Feb | 14th Mar |
| 7 | Chhorten Kora | Chorten Kora, Trashiyangtshe | 25th Mar – 8th April | 14th – 29th Mar |
| 8 | Gomphukora | Gom Kora Lhakhang,Trashigang | 17th -19th Mar | 7th – 8th Apr |
| 9 | Talo Tshechu | Talo Gonpa, Punakha | 17th -19th Mar | 5th – 7th Apr |
| 10 | Gasa Tshechu | Gasa Dzong, Gasa | 17th -19th Mar | 5th – 7th Apr |
| 11 | Zhemgang Tshechu | Zhemgang Dzong, Zhemgang | 17th -19th Mar | 5th – 7th Apr |
| 12 | Paro Tshechu | Rinpung Dzong, Paro | 21th -25 Mar | 8th – 12th Apr |
| 12 | Chhukha Tshechu | Chhukha Dzong, Chhukha | 10th-12th Oct | 29th – 31st Oct |
| 13 | Rhododendron Festival | Lamperi Botanical Garden, Dochula, Thimphu | 13-14 Apr | 22nd -24th Apr |
| 14 | Domkhar Tshechu | Domkhar, Chummi, Bumthang | 18th -20th Apr | 7th – 9th May |
| 15 | Ura Yakchoe | Ura Lhakhang, Bumthang | 20th – 24th Apr | 9th – 13th May |
| 16 | Nimalung Tshechu | Nimalung Dratshang, Chummi, Bumthang | 14th -16th Jun | 3rd – 5th Jun |
| 17 | Kurjey Tshechu | Kurjey Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang | 16th Jun | 5th July |
| 18 | Haa Summer Festival | Town Festival Ground, Haa | 14th -15th Jul | 2nd weekend of July |
| 18 | Matsutake Mushroom Festival | Genekha, Thimphu | 15th & 16th Aug | 20th – 21st Aug |
| 19 | Matsutake Festival | Ura, Bumthang | ||
| 20 | Tour Of The Dragon (Bicycle Race) | Bumthang to Thimphu | 02 Sep | 6th Sep |
| 21 | Thimphu Drubchen | Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu | 9th Sep | 28th Sep |
| 22 | Wangdue Tshechu | Tencholing Army Ground, Wangdue Phodrang | 11th-13th Sep | 30th Sep – 2nd Oct |
| 23 | Gangtey Tshechu | Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha, Wangdue phodrang | 16th-18th Sep | 5th – 7th Oct |
| 24 | Tamshing Phala Chhoepa | Tamshing Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang | 13th-15th Sep | 2nd – 4th Oct |
| 25 | Thimphu Tshechu | Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu | 13th-15th Sep | 2nd – 4th Oct |
| 26 | Jambay Lhakhang Drup | Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang |
15th-18th Nov | 5th – 8th Nov |
| 27 | Jakar Tshechu | Bumthang | 10th-12th Oct | 29th Oct- 1st Nov |
| 28 | Thangbi Mewang | ThangbiLhakhang, Choekor, Bumthang | 18th- 19th Sep | 7th -8th Oct |
| 29 | Jhomolhari Mountain Festival | Dangochong, Thimphu | 14th -15th Oct | 14th -15th Oct |
| 30 | Chhukha Tshechu | Chhukha Dzong, Chhukha | 10th-12th Oct | 29th – 31st Oct |
| 31 | Prakhar Duchhoed | Prakar Khakhang, Chumni, Bumthang |
18th -20th Oct | 6th – 8th Nov |
| 32 | Dechenphu Tshechu | Dechenphu Lhakhang, Thimphu |
3rd Nov | 31st Oct |
| 33 | Black Necked Crane Festival | Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha, Wangduephodrang |
11th Nov | 11th Nov |
| 34 | Mongar Tshechu | Mongar Dzong, Mongar | 9th-11th Nov | 28th -30th Nov |
| 35 | Trashigang Tshechu | Trashigang Dzong, Trashigang |
9th-11th Nov | 29th Nov- 1st Dec |
| 36 | Jambay Lhakhang Singye Cham | Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang |
15th Nov | 4th Dec |
| 37 | Pemagatshel Tshechu | Pemagatshel Dzong, Pemagatshel |
9th-11th November | 29th Oct-2st Nov |
| 38 | Nalakhar Tshechu | Ngaa Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang |
15th -17th Nov | 4th – 6th Dec |
| 39 | Druk Wangyel Tshechu | Douchula, Thimphu |
13 December | 13th Dec |
| 40 | Trongsa Tshechu | Trongsa Dzong, Trongsa |
8th-22th December | 27th – 31st Dec |
| 41 | Lhuentse Tshechu | Lhuentse Dzong, Lhuentse |
8th-10th December | 27th – 31st Dec (Thongdral on last day) |
| 42 | Nabji Lhakhang Drup | Nabji Lhakhang, Nabji, Trongsa |
15th-16th December | 3rd -5th Jan 2026 |
