Five Major Festivals In Bhutan

The religious festivals (Tshechu in local term) are held in several parts of Bhutan as a tribute to Guru Padsambhava (also referred to as Guru Rimpoche) - 'one who was born from lotus flower' and introduced the Nyingma school of Buddhism into Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan in 8th century.

Each 10th day of the lunar calendar is said to commemorate a special event in the life of Padmasambhava; and some of these are dramatized in the context of a religious festival or the Tshechu.

The dates and duration of the festivals vary from one district to another but they always take place on or around the 10th day of the month according to the Bhutanese calendar.

During Tshechus, the dances are performed by monks as well as laymen wearing ornate costumes and masks; the each aspect dance has a symbolic meaning. It is widely believed that one gains merit by attending any of these festivals.

Some of the festivals are observed to purify the souls and ward off evil spirit, not necessarily with religious mask dance.

Moreover, it is also a yearly social gathering where the Bhutanese people, dressed in all their finery, come together to rejoice, taking a break from their everyday life.