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 in order 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 2022 & 2023
| SN | FESTIVAL | PLACE | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Takin Festival | Damji, GASA | ||
| 2 | Merak Tsechu / Semi Nomad Festival | Gengo, Merak | 7th-8th July | |
| 3 | Bhutan International Marathon | (Annual Event organized by BOC) |
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| 4 | Punakha Drubchen | Punakha Dzong, Punakha | 26-28 February | 9th -11th March |
| 5 | Punakha Tshechu | Punakha Dzong, Punakha | 01-03 March | 12th -14th March |
| 6 | Tharpaling Thongdrol | Tharpaling Lhakhang, Chumi, Bumthang |
07 March | 18th March |
| 7 | Chhorten Kora | Chorten Kora, Trashiyangtshe | 05-20 April | 30th April |
| 8 | Gomphukora | Gom Kora Lhakhang,Trashigang | 29-31 March | 9th -11th April |
| 9 | Talo Tshechu | Talo Gonpa,Punakha | 29-31 March | 9th -11th April |
| 10 | Gasa Tshechu | Gasa Dzong, Gasa | 29-31 March | 9th -11th April |
| 11 | Zhemgang Tshechu | Zhemgang Dzong, Zhemgang | 29-31 March | 9th -11th April |
| 12 | Paro Tshechu | Rinpung Dzong, Paro | 01-05 April | 12th -16th April |
| 12 | Chhukha Tshechu | Chhukha Dzong, Chhukha | 13-15th Oct | 1st -3rd Nov |
| 13 | Rhododendron Festival | Lamperi Botanical Garden, Dochula, Thimphu | 14-16 April | 15th – 17st April |
| 14 | Domkhar Tshechu | Domkhar, Chummi, Bumthang | 30 April-02 May | 11th -13th May |
| 15 | Ura Yakchoe | Ura Lhakhang, Bumthang | 02-06 May | 13th – 17th May |
| 16 | Nimalung Tshechu | Nimalung Dratshang, Chummi, Bumthang | 26-28 June | 7th -9th July |
| 17 | Kurjey Tshechu | Kurjey Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang | 28 June | 9th July |
| 18 | Haa Summer Festival | Town Festival Ground, Haa | 08-09 July | 9th -10th July |
| 18 | Matsutake Mushroom Festival | Genekha, Thimphu | Aug 12-13 | 15th & 16th Aug |
| 19 | Matsutake Festival | Ura, Bumthang | 15-16 August | |
| 20 | Tour Of The Dragon (Bicycle Race) | Bumthang to Thimphu | 02 September | 3rd Sep |
| 21 | Thimphu Drubchen | Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu | 21 September | 1st Oct |
| 22 | Wangdue Tshechu | Tencholing Army Ground, Wangduephodrang | 22-24 September | 3rd – 5th Oct |
| 23 | Gangtey Tshechu | Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha, Wangduephodrang | 27-29 September | 7th -9th Oct |
| 24 | Tamshing Phala Chhoepa | Tamshing Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang | 24-26 September | 5th -7th Oct |
| 25 | Thimphu Tshechu | Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu | 24-26 September | 5th -7th Oct |
| 26 | Jambay Lhakhang Drup | Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang |
Oct 20-23 | 8th -12th Nov |
| 27 | Jakar Tshechu | Bumthang | 22-24 October | 1st -3rd Nov |
| 28 | Thangbi Mewang | ThangbiLhakhang, Choekor, Bumthang | Sep 18-21 | 8th -10th Oct |
| 29 | Jhomolhari Mountain Festival | Dangochong, Thimphu | 14-15 October | 14th & 15th Oct |
| 30 | Chhukha Tshechu | Chhukha Dzong, Chhukha | 22-24 October | 1st -3rd Nov |
| 31 | Prakhar Duchhoed | Prakar Khakhang, Chumni, Bumthang |
29-31 October | 9th -11th Nov |
| 32 | Dechenphu Tshechu | Dechenphu Lhakhang, Thimphu |
24 October | 3rd Nov |
| 33 | Black Necked Crane Festival | Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha, Wangduephodrang |
11 November | 11th Nov |
| 34 | Mongar Tshechu | Mongar Dzong, Mongar | 19-22 November | 1st -3rd Dec |
| 35 | Trashigang Tshechu | Trashigang Dzong, Trashigang |
20-23 November | 1st -3rd Dec |
| 36 | Jambay Lhakhang Singye Cham | Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang |
27 November | 7th Dec |
| 37 | Pemagatshel Tshechu | Pemagatshel Dzong, Pemagatshel |
20-23 November | 1st -3rd Dec |
| 38 | Nalakhar Tshechu | Ngaa Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang |
27-29 November | 8th -10th Dec |
| 39 | Druk Wangyel Tshechu | Douchula , Thimphu |
13 December | 13th Dec |
| 40 | Trongsa Tshechu | Trongsa Dzong, Trongsa |
20-22 December | 30th Dec – 1st Jan 2023 |
| 41 | Lhuentse Tshechu | Lhuentse Dzong, Lhuentse |
20-22 December | 30th Dec – 1st Jan 2023 |
| 42 | Nabji Lhakhang Drup | Nabji Lhakhang, Nabji, Trongsa |
26-27 December | 6th-7th Jan 2023 |
