HOLIDAYS IN BHUTAN
Bhutan has numerous public holidays, most of which center around traditional seasonal, secular, and religious festivals. They include winter solstice (around January 1, depending on the lunar calendar), lunar new year (January or February), the Druk Gyalpo's birthday and the anniversary of his coronation, the official start of monsoon season (September 22), National Day (December 17), and various Buddhist and Hindu celebrations. Even the secular holidays have religious overtones, including religious dances and prayers used to bless the day. [Source: Andrea Matles Savada, Library of Congress, 1991]
There are number of annual holidays, events and festivals linked to different events in the life of Buddha. Karma Phuntsho wrote in the “Worldmark Encyclopedia of Religious Practices”:“In Bhutan there are about a half dozen national holidays associated with the Buddha and other Buddhist figures. There are also anniversaries to mark the birthday of the king and to commemorate the founding (17 December 1907) of the monarchy. Major religious festivals, mostly known as tshechu or drubchoe, are observed in the monasteries with colorful religious mask dances performed by monks and folk dances performed by girls. The most festive occasions, however, are the local village festivals held to propitiate local deities or to celebrate good harvests, among other reasons. During these festivals dances are performed in the temple courtyard during the day, and parties are held in the mornings and evenings.
One of the largest annual events is National Day on December 17, which commemorates the establishment of the monarchy. At this event, the king participates by serving foods and joins in games and dances. Bhutan does not have an Independence Day. It was never colonized. Thus it never became independent from any country on a specific date and this National Day is celebrated instead. [Source: “Countries and Their Cultures”, Gale Group Inc., 2001; Choi Wangmo, Book My Tour, July 27, 2018]
On her visit to Bhutan in 2012, Karen Greenspan wrote in Natural History magazine: ““We visited a middle school” as the “entire country was eagerly preparing for the king’s birthday celebration, which is a national holiday. Groups of students were rehearsing all over the campus. Boys belted out folk songs as they energetically performed dances; girls were practicing to recorded music; coed groups went through their paces in a fun yet purposeful manner — all unsupervised. [Source: Karen Greenspan, Natural History magazine, November 2012]
“The next day we attended the national celebration of the king’s birthday in the stadium in Thimphu. Student dancers from the country’s high schools performed for government officials, the assembled spectators, and (via television) the entire nation. The final presentation ended with the dancers forming the letters GNH in the center of the stadium. Afterward, they invited the audience onto the field to participate in the concluding ceremonial dance, Tashi Leybey. The stadium was flooded with participants — old and young, officials and regular folk. They danced together and sang, soliciting divine blessings for long life, prosperity, and happiness.
Bhutanese and Tibetan Calendar
The Bhutanese calendar is derived from main Tibetan calendars, a lunisolar calendar based on the cycles of the sun and the moon. The Tibetan year is composed of either 12 or 13 lunar months, each beginning and ending with a new moon. A thirteenth month is added every two or three years, so that an average Tibetan year is equal to the solar year. Years are designated using the five elements (metal, wood, water, fire and earth), yin and yang, and the 12 animals representing the 12 Earthly Branches. A year is divided into four seasons. Each month has 29 or 30 days.The 12 animal signs with the months they rule from January to December are: Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig, Mouse, Ox, Tiger and Rabbit. [Sources: China Tibet Information Center zt.tibet.cn ; Chloe Xin, Tibetravel.org tibettravel.org <=>]
E. Henning wrote in kalacakra.org: Bhutanese calendar has one very curious and unique feature – the weekdays are one ahead, not only of the main Tibetan calendars, but the western calendar as well. I am sitting writing this on 5th May 2008. It is a Monday, both in the standard Gregorian calendar and in the Phugpa and Tsurphu calendars (and all other Tibetan calendars that I know of). However, in Bhutan, it is a Tuesday. [Source: E. Henning. kalacakra.org, September 2, 2013.
The year 1958 on the Gregorian calendar was the year 2094 on the Bhutanese calendar, the year of the Fire-Sheep. The Bhutanese year is 360 days. Astrologers routinely leave out days, dates, or even months that are considered unlucky. To keep the calendar in sync with the seasons months are added. Some years have the same month twice in a row. The formal use of the Tibetan calendar began in A.D. 1027.
Tibetan years follow twelve-year animal cycles: . One element rules two years in a row and then changes to the next element, while an animal sign will rule for one year at a time. The Year 2000 was an Iron-Dragon year and the year 2001 was an Iron-Snake year. The year 2002 was a Water-Horse year, and so forth. The 60 year cycle of all combinations of the five elements and twelve animals is called Rab-byung. We are now living in the 17th. Rab-byung, which began in 1987. <=>
The system of animal years had been already started in the middle of 600 A.D. under the influence of the teachings of a Chinese princess who married the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo. The system of 60 year cycles, Rab-byung, was introduced around the 10th century and in the 11th century it was widely used in Tibet. Kalachakra teachings were blended with Elemental astrology, and when Tibetan scholars made the very first Tibetan calendar they used Rab-byung for counting the years. As Kalachakra teachings were the foundation for chronological calculations, it was decided that the official date of introduction of Kalachakra would be Year One. Year 1027 was a Fire-Rabbit year and from then a Fire-Rabbit year became the first year in Tibetan Rab-byung, while the Chinese 60 year cycle always begins with a Wood-Mouse Year. <=>
A person who is 30 in Western years is 32 years old in places that practice Tibetan Buddhism. A Bhutanese man told National Geographic, "We count the nine months a child spends in its mothers womb and everyone consider himself a year older on the same day, New Year's.
Main Holidays in Bhutan
January or February — Traditional Day of Offering is on the 1st day of the 12th month of the Bhutanese calendar. Bhutanese give thanks to Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of Bhutan, and enjoy feasting and traditional sports such as archery, digor, and khuru (darts). This holiday may have originally begun as a Bhutanese new year celebration.
February and March — Losar (Tibetan New Year) is celebrated at the time of first day of the first month on the Bhutanese-Tibetan calendar. Festivities last 15 days and time is spent preparing food and alcohol, cleaning homes, discarding old, unused things, featsing, partying and playing traditional games. In Bhutan, different communities celebrate Losar at slightly different times and refer to the holiday by particular local names. The common Losar greeting is "tashi delek."
February 21–23 Birthday of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the 5th and current king of Bhutan,
May 2 — Birthday of King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the third king of Bhutan.
May or June — Parinirvana (Nirvana Day, Buddha’s Parinirvana or Duechen Nga Zom) is observed on the 15th Day of the Fourth Month of the Bhutanese calendar. It is a public holiday commemorating the nirvana of the Buddha.
June 2 — Coronation Day Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the fourth Bhutanese king. It is is marked by Social Forestry Day, in which children plant trees..
July 10 — Birthday of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), the saint who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan in the A.D. 8th century.
Usually August —The First Sermon of Lord Buddha (Drukpa Tshe Zhi, the Anniversary of the First Sermon of Lord Buddha) is observed on the fourth day of the sixth month in the Bhutanese calendar and is a non-working public holiday in the Kingdom of Bhutan
October 6 — Dashain is the main Nepalese and Hindu festival. During this holiday, houses are cleaned and replastered, gifts are exchanged, and families gather. It is a public holiday in Bhutan.
November 1 --- Coronation of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the 5th and current king of Bhutan.
November 11 — Birthday of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the 4th king of Bhutan. The holiday is also called Constitution Day. Under this king democracy was launched and the Constitution of Bhutan was enacted.
Usually November — Descending Day of Lord Buddha (Lhabab Duchen) is an important day on the Bhutanese calendar. A public holiday, it marks the day that Buddha is believed to have descended from heaven after attaining Nirvana. It is held on the 22nd day of the 9th month on the Bhutanese-Tibetan calendar. In the eastern Bhutan, people perform Lhasoel, the offerings of ara (traditional wine), blessings, and supplications.
December 17 — National Day marks the coronation of Ugyen Wangchuck, as the first king and founder of modern Bhutan. Celebrations at Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu include a speech by the current king and and a procession with a statue of Ugyen Wangchuck.
Festivals and Tshechus in Bhutan
There are number of annual holidays, events and festivals linked to different events in the life of Buddha. Many festivals feature symbolic dances and masked dramas, which are believed to be to bring heavenly blessings to participants and viewers. Tourists are allowed to enter the Dzong (fortified monasteries) and witness masked dramas and sword dances. Every village, town and city has its own festival. The most famous are Tshechus.
Tshechus — Bhutanese religious festivals — are held in Bhutan throughout the year. They take place outdoors, often in the courtyards of the great dzongs. People travel many miles, often on foot, to attend the festivals, wearing their most beautiful clothing, creating as festive and joyful atmosphere which mingles with the mystic spirit of the occasion. These festivals not only play an important role in preserving Bhutan’s rich culture and traditions but also provide devout Buddhists with an opportunity for prayer and pilgrimage.
As the Tshechu begins, villagers and visitors congregate at their local temples and monasteries were the festivals take place. Tshechus are usually occasions to mark important events in the life of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) — the Tantric master regarded as the second Buddha to Bhutanese. Typically, Various mask dances are performed together with songs and music for three days. These religious celebrations are lively, high-spirited affairs during which people share meals of red rice, spicy pork, ema datshi (the national dish, a stew made with chilies and yak cheese), and momos (pork dumplings) whilst downing large amounts of ara (traditional rice wine). [Source: Tourism Council of Bhutan, tourism.gov.bt]
Bhutanese Festival and Tshechu Dances
Bhutanese festivals and Tshechus often feature dancers wear colorful silk costumes and grotesque hand-carved wooden masks. The festivals celebrate the faith, legends, myths and history of the Bhutanese with ancient rituals, dance and music. The dancers — monks or highly trained laymen — take on the aspects of wrathful and compassionate deities, heroes, demons and animals. In addition to bringing blessings, the dances are performed to to instruct viewers, protect them and to abolish evil influences. [Source: John Scofield, National Geographic November 1976]
Many of the dances are centuries old and are performed once or twice a year. utrageously costumed and masked performers dance and act out ancient Himalayan tales about the reincarnation of donkeys and the struggle between good and evil. The performers twirl around in skirts that open like parachutes and dance to music produced by drums and cymbals. A fire dance performed at Bumthang is intended to help childless women attending the festival conceive in the upcoming year.
"I found the performance very difficult to follow," John Scofield wrote in National Geographic, "and curiously disquieting...Half a dozen masked jesters made fun of every motion , every symbolic act I the drama. No one among actors or audience was safe from their openly disrespectful and often obscene parodies...Bhutanese see nothing at all strange in poking fun at organized religion...jester were saying in effect, "After all, even the most serious rituals are the inventions of men, not gods."
Losar
February and March — Losar (Tibetan New Year) is celebrated at the time of first day of the first month on the Bhutanese-Tibetan calendar. Festivities last 15 days and time is spent preparing food and alcohol, cleaning homes, discarding old, unused things, feasting, drinking partying and playing traditional games. In Bhutan, different communities celebrate Losar at slightly different times and refer to the holiday by particular local names. The common Losar greeting is "tashi delek." [Source: Wikipedia]
Losar features folk dances, masked dramas and archery competitions. Friends and relatives exchange greeting cards. It is set according to the Bhutanese-Tibetan calendar, and is usually around the same time or a couple weeks later than the Chinese New Year. The most important day on the Tibetan calendar, it is celebrated by Tibetans, Mongolians and Tibetan-related people with people tying prayer flags, cooking flour and butter on fires of smoldering evergreens, lighting lamps, making offerings, praying at shrines and monasteries, feasting on special dumplings, socializing, lighting purifying fires with fragrant smoke from juniper, artemisia and other herbs, gambling and drinking large quantities of chang. Celebrations often feature horse racing, lama dancing and offerings to Gods.
Losar begins on the day of a new moon that marks the first day of the first month on the Bhutanese calendar. From the beginning of the 12th month of the Bhutanese calendar, Bhutanese begin to prepare special delicacies. Festivities last from the 1st day of the new year until the 15th day. The establishment of the Tibetan New Year has close connections with the use of the Tibetan calendar. Depending on a number of factors, Losar can fall as early as mid-January and as late as late March. Some years entire months are deleted from the Tibetan Year due to inauspicious alignments of planets and other factors.
Punakha Tshechu and Drubchen
Punakha Serdra (Golden Procession in Punakha) is held Late February, Early March during the first lunar month to commemorates the victory of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the Bhutanese hero and founder, over Tibetan invaders in the 17th century. It features a procession depicting a 17th century war against Tibet, with galloping horsemen, silk-robed monks and swimmers who dive into the river to retrieve oranges. The Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan, gives a blessing.
Located in the western part of Bhutan, Punakha is is the winter home of the Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan. Punakha has been of critical importance since the time of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 17th century. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal is known as the unifier of Bhutan as a nation state and he was the one who gave Bhutan and its people the distinct cultural identity that identified Bhutan from the rest of the world. [Source: Tourism Council of Bhutan, tourism.gov.bt]
During 17th century Bhutan was invaded several times by Tibetan forces seeking to seize a very precious relic, the Ranjung Kharsapani, the self-created image of Avalokiteshvara from the first vertebra of Tsangpa Gyarey, now kept inside crystal glass. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal led the Bhutanese to victory over the Tibetans and to commemorate the triumph he introduced the Punakha Drubchen. Since then Punakha Drubchen (also known as Puna Druchen) became the annual festival of Punakha Dzong.
The Punakha Drubchen features a dramatic recreation of the scene from the 17th century battle with Tibetan army. The ‘pazaps’ or local militia men, dress in traditional battle gear and reenact the ancient battle scene. This reenactment harkens back to the time when Bhutan didn’t have a standing army. Instead men from the eight Tshogchens — the Great Village Blocks of Thimphu — came forward and managed to expel the invading forces from the country. Their victory ushered in a period of new-found internal peace and stability.
In 2005 another festival known as Punakha Tshechu was introduced by the 70th Je Khenpo Trulku Jigme Choedra and the then Home Minister His Excellency Lyonpo Jigme Yoedzer Thinley. The Tshechu was introduced in response to the requests made by Punakha District Administration and local peopleto host a Tshechu in order to better preserve Buddhist teachings and keep alive the noble deeds of Zhabdrung Rimpoche.
Chorten Kora Festival
Chorten Kora Festival in February and March is the most important festival for the Drogpas, a nomadic group of yak herders who retain their ancient customs and beliefs, which predate the introduction of Buddhism. The festival takes place in Trashiyangtse, the easternmost district of Bhutan. To get the festival site arrive in Trashiyangtse you must drive for two hours from Trashigang following the banks of Dangmechu and Kholungchu rivers. [Source: Tourism Council of Bhutan, tourism.gov.bt]
Dakpa Kora is held on the 15th day of the 3rd month corresponding to 28th February and Drukpa Kora (circumbulation by the Bhutanese) is held on the 30th day corresponding to 15th March every year (Check with your tour operator to confirm these dates). The Chorten (Stupa) was built by Lama Ngawang Loday in 1740on the site where a demon was subdued. The chorten was dedicated to the memory of his late uncle, Jungshu Pesan. It is believed to be a replica of the Boudhnath stupa in Nepal and was consecrated by the 13th chief Abbot of Bhutan Je Sherub Wangchuk. Today, it is considered one of the most important historical Buddhist structures.
It chorten was built so that pilgrims could visit the temple in Trashiyangtse instead of making a trip to Nepal. Further, a legend states that a young girl from Tawang, believed to have been a Khando (Dakini) agreed to be buried alive inside the Chorten. For this reason a ritual known as Dakpa Kora is organized every year where hundreds of people from Arunachal Pradesh known as the Dakpas make it to Chorten Kora to circumambulate.
Paro Tshechu
The Paro Tshechu (Festival) in Paro in late March and Early April is is one Bhutan's best known and most-visited dance festival. Held from the 10th to 14th day of the second lunar month on the Bhutanese calendar, it includes masked and costumed dancers who impersonate peaceful and wrathful deities and reenact legends and episodes from history of Buddhism in Bhutan. The Paro Tshechu is held in spring and is one of the most colorful and significant events in Paro Dzongkhag (district). [Source: Tourism Council of Bhutan, tourism.gov.bt]
The Tsehchu is considered a major attraction for tourists and Bhutanese who travel from neighboring districts to participate in the event. Early in the morning on the last day of the celebration the monks display a gigantic thangkha (embroidered painting), the Guru Throngdel, inside the dzong. Thongdrols are especially impressive examples of Buddhist art and never fail to amaze viewers. They are considered so sacred that simply seeing a Thongdrol is said to cleanse the viewer of sin. The 400-year-old Throngdel is unfurled for a few hours before dawn so that direct sun light does not damage its vegetable dye colors.
Describing a dance at the Paro Festival, Molly Moore wrote in the Washington Post, "The 'black hat' dancers swept into the medieval courtyard...in a kaleidoscope of swirling silks and exotic masks, dancing the sacred steps passed down by generations...Hundred of festively-clad Bhutanese villagers and maroon-robed monks jammed the courtyard and packed the balconies of the massive stone edifice, entranced by the dance troupes, each more exotic than the last."
“The dancers represent terrifying demons and heroic deities who reenact stories from Buddhist legend, including the Dance of the Lords of the Cremation Grounds, in which dancers wearing white skull masks and flashing long black spikes on their fingers romp through the streets as the protectors of sacred burial sites."
Jambay Lhakhang Festival
Jampa Lhakang Drub in September is annual fertility festival in the town of Jakar. The festival features clowns and dwarfs wearing masks who prance around with a wooden phallus and steal it from one another while the audience claps and children squeal with delight. During a mass fertility blessing one of the clowns drips water from a wooden phallus on the women who want to receive the blessing while each of the woman hold a stone phallus.
Jambay Lhakhang is located in Bumthang and is situated on the way to the Kurjie Lhakhang. It’s a ten minutes drive to the temple from the Chamkhar town. Jambay Lhakhang is one of the oldest temples in the kingdom. It was founded by, Songtsen Gampo, a Tibetan King in the 7th century AD. The king was destined to build 108 temples known as Thadhul- Yangdhul (temples on and across the border) in a day to subdue the demoness that was residing in the Himalayas. The temple is one of the two of the 108 built in Bhutan. A second is located in Paro, the Kichu lhakhang also built on the same day. [Source: Tourism Council of Bhutan, tourism.gov.bt]
Jambay Lhakhang Drup lasts for five days The highlight of the festival is the fire ritual that is held in the evening where crowds gather to witness the ritualistic naked dance. A fire dance performed at Bumthang is intended to help childless women attending the festival conceive in the upcoming year.
Wangduephodrang Tshechu
The annual Wangduephodrang Tshechu in September was introduced by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in the 17th century there after the completion of the dzong. The three-day annual Tshechu is attended by people from Punakha and Thimphu and provides the people with an occasion for merrymaking and revelry. The Tshechu is known for the Raksha Mangcham or the Dance of the Ox. It concludes with the unfurling of the Guru Tshengye Thongdrol where people throng to receive blessings. [Source: Tourism Council of Bhutan, tourism.gov.bt]
Wangduephodrang in central Bhutan is famous for Lozeys or Ornamental Speeches. Two notable lozeys are the tragic song of Gaylong Sumdar Tashi that of Pema Tshewang Tashi who served as an official at the Dzong. The Dzong served as the administrative center and was built in 1639 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel at the confluence of Puna Tsang Chu.
Wangduephodrang Dzongkhag Dzong was burnt to the ground in June 2012. It currently being rebuilt or has been rebuilt. While the Tshechu will take place, please confirm with your tour operator the location. After the fire the Tshechu was held at the nearby Tencholing Army ground in Wangduephodrang.
Thimphu Tshechu
One of the biggest festivals in the country is the Thimphu Tshechu in September. This festival is held in the capital city for three days beginning on 10th day of the 8th month of lunar calendar. This Tshechu is witnessed by thousands of people many of whom travel from neighboring Dzongkhags (districts) to attend the festivities. The actual Tshechu is preceded by days and nights of prayer and rituals to invoke the gods. To farmers, the Tshechu is also seen as a break from farm life. It’s an occasion to celebrate, receive blessings and pray for health and happiness. [Source: Tourism Council of Bhutan, tourism.gov.bt]
When it was initiated by the 4th Desi, Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay in 1867 the Tshechu consisted of only a few dances being performed strictly by monks. These were the Zhana chham and the Zhana Nga chham (Dances of the 21 Black Hats), Durdag (Dance of the Lords of the Cremation Ground), and the Tungam chham (Dance of the Terrifying Deities).
The Thimphu Tshechu underwent a change in the 1950s, when the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, introduced numerous Boed chhams (mask dances performed by lay monks). These additions added colour and variation to the festival without compromising its spiritual significance. Mask dances like the Guru Tshengye (Eight Manifestations of Guru), Shaw Shachi (Dance of the Stags) are enjoyed because they are similar to stage-theater. Equally important are the Atsaras, who are more than just mere clowns. The Atsaras are the dupthobs (acharyas), who provide protection. The dances and the jesting of the Atsaras are believed to entrance evil forces and prevent them from causing harm during Tshechus. Modern Atsaras also perform short skits to disseminate health and social awareness messages.
Before the three-day Tshechu, Thimphu celebrates a one day festival known as the Thimphu Dromchoe. The day long festival dates back to the 17th century. It was first introduced by Kuenga Gyeltshen in 1710, who was recognized as the reincarnation of Jampel Dorji, son of Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyel. The dromchoe is celebrated 3 days prior to the Thimphu Tshechu. The Dromchoe showcases the sacred dances dedicated to the chief protective deity of Bhutan, Palden Lhamo. Legend has it, that the deity Pelden Lhamo appeared before Kuenga Gyeltshen and performed the dances while he was in meditation. Based on these dances, Kuenga Gyaltshen initiated the Dromchoe.
Trongsa Tshechu
Trongsa Tshechu at Trongsa (Tongsa) in November is an annual festival which commemorates the life of Guru Rimpoche, (Padmasambhava), the saint who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan in the A.D. 8th century. The festival confers blessings, good luck and protection against misfortune for the coming year. Dancers in brilliant silk costumes and huge masks, impersonate beneficent deities, demons, spirits and heroes. This festival is regarded as one of the most authentic and least touristy in Bhutan.
Trongsa, the sacred and temporal heart of the country is a two day journey from Thimphu. Situated in central Bhutan, it was once the seat of power over central and eastern regions. Both the first and second kings of Bhutan ruled the country from this ancient seat and it is customary for the crown prince to serve as the Trongsa Penlop (“governor”) prior to ascending the throne. [Source: Tourism Council of Bhutan, tourism.gov.bt]
The dzong built in 1648, is a massive structure with many levels, sloping down the contours of the ridge upon which it is built. Of the many festivals held in various parts of Trongsa, the grandest is the three day annual Tshechu. This festival bring together people from all walks of life and falls sometime in the month of December. In addition to traditional mask dances, visitors can witness the unfurling of the sacred Thongdrol and receive blessings from high ranking monks. People also receive blessings from the sacred Nangtens that is opened during the last day of the Tshechu.
Lhuntse Tshechu
Lhuntse Tshechu is usually celebrated in November and draws large numbers of people. Lhuenste is one of the easternmost districts in Bhutan and borders the autonomous region of Tibet. As the ancestral home of our Kings it hosts a number of important and sacred monuments. The most important amongst these is Lhuntse Dzong, a majestic fortress that sits upon a high ridge overlooking the Kurichu River. A small hermitage and a temple was built in 1552 by Ngagi Wangchuk and later enlarged to its present state by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. [Source: Tourism Council of Bhutan, tourism.gov.bt]
Almost every village in Lhuntse has a festivals that is unique and distinct from those in other communities in Bhutan. Two notable festivals are the Cha and the Ha festivals. They are celebrated to honor the deities and avert misfortunes. The most important festival is the annual three day festival.
Tshechu participants cleanse their sins by watch masked dances and also receive blessings from sacred relics that are publicly displayed. One of the most interesting and visually appealing aspects of these Tshechus is the colourful clothes of Kushithara that Lhuentse is famous for. You will come across various intricate and beautiful patterns of Kira and rich ornaments on display .
Merak Tshechu
The Merak Tshechu is an annual three day event in November at Merak Lhakhang (Temple). Merak valley is located in eastern Bhutan within the Trashigang Dzongkhag (district). It is a unique valley inhabited by a semi-nomadic people known as the Brokpas. Situated at a height of 3000 meters, the valley remains untouched by the influence of the outside world. [Source: Tourism Council of Bhutan, tourism.gov.bt]
Living close to nature in this pristine wilderness, the Brokpas way of life has remained virtually unchanged for thousands of years and they depend almost entirely on yak rearing and animal husbandry for their livelihoods. Bartering is still the main form of economic activity amongst the Brokpas. They barter their Yak products for food grains and other daily necessities with the neighbouring Sharchops.
Their attire is also unique as it is entirely woven out of Yak hair and sheep wool. Their culture is also the only one of its kind in that they are one of the few communities to practice polyandry. In fact it is a common norm amongst the Brokpa women to marry all the brothers in a family. They are also fun loving and enjoy merry making with lots of festivities. Indeed, they love music and dance and attending Tshechus.
The Merak Tshechu provides the Brokpas with some much needed respite from their daily cattle herding routine. Beside the dances that are performed throughout the dzongs and lhakhangs, the Brokpas also perform their traditional dances known as Ache Lhamo and the Yak dance. These rare dances are exclusive to the Brokpas and have drawn a lot of visitors to witness the unique spectacle.
Monggar Tshechu
Monggar Tshechu is an exciting, annual three day tshechu held in November. Monggar in eastern Bhutan is largely known as the “Bastion of the Zhongarps.” The Dzongpons of Zhongar that played significant role in the history of Bhutan. One can still see the ruins of the Zhongar Dzong next to the highway in Lingmethang before reaching Monggar. [Source: Tourism Council of Bhutan, tourism.gov.bt]
The main inhabitants of this region are the Sharchops and the Kurtoeps. They speak distinct languages known as Tshanglakha and Kurtoepaikha. This region is famous for its exquisite wood carvings. The new Dzong in Monggar was built at the initiative of the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in 1953. Today the dzong is the center of administration where all important decisions are taken.
There are numerous local Tshechus in this region all with their own unique dances and traditions. They occur at various times throughout the year so visitors can be assured that no matter when they visit a fantastic and colorful local festival will be taking place. Monggar Tshechu is the biggest event, attracting people from as far as Trashigang and Lhuentse.
Black-Necked Crane Festival
The Black-Necked Crane Festival on November 11 is celebrated in the courtyard of Gangtey Gonpa, in Phobjikha valley. It celebrates the arrival of these majestic, endangered birds to their wintering areas in the valley. The festival is organized to generate awareness and understanding on the importance of conserving the cranes; to strengthen the linkages between conservation, economic welfare and sustainable livelihoods of the community; provide an avenue for the local community to renew their commitment to conservation of the black-necked cranes, and to showcase their cultural heritage and skills. [Source: Tourism Council of Bhutan, tourism.gov.bt]
The festival includes cultural programs such as folk songs and dances (some with black-necked crane themes) and mask dances performed by the local people, crane dances and environmental conservation-themed dramas and songs by the school children. The program usually starts by 9:30 am and lasts till late afternoon. The festival is organized by the Phobjikha Environment Management Committee (PEMC), a local group composed of elected local leaders (with a strong female component), Government representatives, business community representatives, monks and Royal Society for the Protection of Nature (RSPN) representative. The festival has become a part of the local culture in Phobjikha valley ever since it was first initiated by the RSPN in 1998.
The Annual Black-necked Crane festival is an integral part of the Ecotourism (now Community based-sustainable tourism) initiative to promote local economic welfare through nature based tourism programs. The success of the festival and its continuity depends entirely upon the support and contributions of the visitors and well wishers of conservation. By viewing and participating in the festival you help conservation efforts for the black-necked crane.
Trashigang Tshechu
Trashigang Tshechu is held in December at Trashigang Dzong during the 7th to 11th days of the tenth month of the Bhutanese calendar. Trashigang Dzongkhag is the largest district in the country. Its aboriginal inhabitants are known as the Sharchops. Trashigang dzong sits majestically on a high ridge overlooking the Dangmechu and the Gamrichu. [Source: Tourism Council of Bhutan, tourism.gov.bt]
Every village in the district has its own distinctive annual festival but the highlight is the three day Tshechu that The Tshechu is attended by the Brokpas, a semi-nomadic people that reside in the valleys of Merak and Sakteng, the Khengpa community and people from as far as Samdrup Jongkhar, Pema Gatshel and Trashiyangtse.
Preparations for the Tshechu begin two days prior to the actual festival. On the 7th day of the month the monks perform ceremonial ablutions or thrue. On the 8th they have rehearsals in preparation for the Tshechu. Then on the 9th of the month the Tshechu begins proper. On the 10th day the Thongdrol of Neten Chudrug (Sixteen Arhats) is unfurled amidst a flurry of mask dances. On the final day, the old Thongdrol of Guru Tshengyed is displayed. The unfurling is accompanied by the performance of Guru Tshengyed Chhams.
Pema Gatshel Tshechu
Pema Gatshel Tshechu is usually held in early January. Pema Gatshel Dzongkhag is situated in Eastern Bhutan. Its major inhabitants are the Sharchops who are found living on agriculture and animal husbandry. The district is known for its numerous festivals and folk songs. The most notable folk song is the Ausa, a song that is sung during the departure of family members, friends and relatives. Since the construction of the dzong in the early 1980s, they have also celebrated the annual Tshechu over a three day period. [Source: Tourism Council of Bhutan, tourism.gov.bt]
Many Mask Dances or Cham which are believed to confer blessings upon the spectators and teach them the ways of the Buddhist dharma are performed during the festival. Cham are also believed to provide protection from misfortune and exorcise evil influences. The festival is a religious ceremony and it is believed that you gain merit simply by attending it.
It is also an annual social gathering where people from all walks of life get together to celebrate and contemplate religion. People often travel great distances to be a part of the Tsehchu. The entire community rejoices together, dressed in their finest clothing whilst enjoying the company of friends and family.
Image Sources: Wikimedia Commons
Text Sources: New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Lonely Planet Guides, Library of Congress, Tourism Council of Bhutan (tourism.gov.bt), National Portal of Bhutan, the Bhutan government’s main site (gov.bt), The Guardian, National Geographic, Smithsonian magazine, The New Yorker, Time, Reuters, Associated Press, AFP, Wikipedia and various books, websites and other publications.
Last updated February 2022