Bhutan – the spirit of travelBhutan – the spirit of travel
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Festivals

Each year one of the major festivals is held in Dzong of Thimphu. People form all the surrounding valleys gather during 3 days to watch all the traditional dances,

Throughout the Kingdom of Bhutan there are major festivals celebrated during each Tibetan lunar cycle. As Bhutan is one of the most devoted Buddhist nations in greater Asia, Buddhist festivals are as much part of life as breathing and have a special place in the hearts of the Bhutanese. Historically, these vibrant and colorful festivals are deeply rooted, originated as far back as the 17th century, mostly to honor the deeds of the Buddha, as well as the Buddhist masters of times past. The festivals known as Tsechus, meaning ‘10th, refers to the 10th day of the month, when Guru Remuche’s great deeds too place. Festivals are regular gathering occasion for tens of thousands of Bhutanese annually, to dress in their most cherished cloths, for socializing, dance, laughter and of course eating and enjoying the local food and beverage. For the locals, an important part of the festival is receiving a blessing from the revered monks.

Many of the masked dancers who participate in the festivals are eloquently dressed monks, while some are professionals showcasing their art form. These folk dancers’ dresses are elaborately sown according to Bhutanese tradition. Dances many times represent the battle between good and evil. It is believed, the deeply meditative circular dances create spiritual powers, which absolve and bless the on-looking audience. The circular movements symbolize the spinning of a prayer wheel.

Festivals can range from a few days to more than a week.

The most visited festivals

Thimphu Tshechu

Regarded as one of the biggest festivals in Bhutan. This festival is held in the capital city, for three days beginning on 10th day of the 8th month of lunar calendar. This festival attracted by thousands of people from neighboring Dzongkhags (districts). The festival is followed by days and nights of prayer and rituals to summon the gods.

  • Paro Tshechu

Famous among the locals and for experiencing the ancient living culture of Bhutan, Paro Tsechu is one the favorites. Dances performed by masked monks wearing beautifully made costumes are generously featured at this festival. The highlight of the Paro Tsechu is the unfolding of the traditional silk Thangka, large enough to cover an entire building, is considered by the Bhutanese as one of the most sacred blessings in the whole of Bhutan.

  • Jambay Lhakhang Drup

Jambay Lhakhang is one of 108 Buddhist temples built by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo in the late 8th century. Celebrated as one of the most cherished landmarks of the arrival of Buddhism in Bhutan, this temple has become the gathering point of one of Bhutan’s more unique Tshechu. The highlight of this festival is a naked dance, to purify sins in the promise of a good harvest.

  • Punakha Drubchen

An historical 16th century war imitation between the Bhutanese and the Tibetans are retold in festivity.

  • Haa Summer Festival

Situated alone the untouched lakes and high alpine valleys, the lively Haa summer festival is an uplifting celebration of traditional nomadic lifestyle, unique Bhutanese cuisine, traditional sports and Buddhist performances. Watch the weaving and making of yak hair tents and sample the delicious home-cooked cuisine, enjoy traditional folk songs and dances, while sipping the local liquor.

Home to the ancestral Dorji family, the resilient and hardworking yak herders of Haa reside on the high valleys above 3,000 meters. These include potatoes, wheat & barley and farmers. Their devotion revolves Buddhist and Shamanic deities as well as their guardian spirit, believed to protect all people born in Haa. The Haa festival offer an insight into the lives and traditions of Bhutan’s nomadic herders. Immerse yourself in this one of a kind experience by participating in the local sports.

FESTIVAL DATES FOR 2018, 2019

Please see below a list of the most prominent festivals and events held in Bhutan throughout the year. Bear in mind, the dates of the festivals are usually determined by the lunar cycle and may well vary from year to year.

# FESTIVAL PLACE 2018 2019
1. Nabji Lhakhang Drup Nabji Lhakhang, Nabji, Trongsa 22nd – 24th Dec 2018 2nd – 4th Jan 2019
2. Lhuentse Tshechu Lhuentse Dzong, Lhuentse 15th – 17th Dec 2018 26th – 28th Dec 2019
3. Trongsa Tshechu Trongsa Dzong, Trongsa 15th – 17th Dec 2018 26th – 28th Dec 2019
4. Druk Wangyel Tshechu Dochula, Thimphu 13th – 13th Dec 2018 13th – 13th Dec 2019
5. Jambay Lakhang Singye Cham Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang 23rd – 23rd Nov 2018 3rd – 3rd Dec 2019
6. Trashigang Tshechu Trashigang Dzong, Trashigang 17th – 19th Nov 2018 27th – 29th Nov 2019
7. Mongar Tshechu Mongar Dzong, Mongar 15th – 18th Nov 2018 26th – 28th Nov 2019
8. Black Necked Crane Festival Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha, Wangduephodrang 11th – 11th Nov 2018 11th – 11th Nov 2019
9. Prakhar Duchhoed Prakar Lhakhang, Chummi, Bumthang 25th – 27th Oct 2018 4th – 6th Nov 2019
10. Jambay Lhakhang Drup Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang 24th – 27th Oct 2018 3rd – 7th Nov 2019
11. Pemagatshel Tshechu Pemagatshel Dzong, Pemagatshel 23rd – 25th Nov 2018 26th – 28th Nov 2019
12. Dechenphu Tshechu Dechenphu Lhakhang, Thimphu 30th – 30th Oct 2018 30th – 30th Oct 2019
13. Jakar Tshechu Jakar Dzong, Choekhor, Bumthang 17th – 20th Oct 2018 29th – 31st Oct 2019
14. Thangbi Mani Tangbi Lhakhang, Choekor, Bumthang 23rd – 25th Sep 2018 4th – 6th Oct 2019
15. Jhomolhari Mountain Festival Jhomolhari 4th – 5th Oct 2018 14th – 15th Oct 2019
16. Thimphu Tshechu Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu 19th – 21st Sep 2018 30th – 2nd Oct 2019
17. Tamshing Phala Chhoepa Tamshing Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang 19th – 21st Sep 2018 29th – 1st Oct 2019
18. Gangtey Tshechu Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha, Wangduephodrang 23rd – 24th Sep 2018 3rd – 5th Oct 2019
19. Wangdue Tshechu Tencholing Army Ground, Wangduephodrang 17th – 19th Sep 2018 29th – 2nd Oct 2019
20. Thimphu Drubchen Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu 15th – 15th Sep 2018 25th – 29th Sep 2019
21. Tour Of The Dragon (bicycle Race) Bumthang To Thimphu 2nd – 2nd Sep 2018 2nd – 2nd Sep 2019
22. Matsutake Mushroom Festival Ura, Bumthang 23rd – 24th Aug 2018 23rd – 24th Aug 2019
23. Mushroom Festival Genekha, Thimphu 15th – 16th Aug 2018 15th – 16th Aug 2019
24. Kurjey Tshechu Kurjey Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang 23rd – 23rd Jun 2018 3rd – 3rd Jul 2019
25. Nimalung Tshechu Nimalung Dratshang, Chummi, Bumthang 21st – 23rd Jun 2018 1st – 3rd Jul 2019
26. Ura Yakchoe Ura Lhakhang, Bumthang 26th – 29th Apr 2018 7th – 10th May 2019
27. Domkhar Tshechu Domkhar, Chummi, Bumthang 25th – 27th Mar 2018 5th – 7th May 2019
28. Rhododendron Festival Lamperi Botanical Garden, Dochula, Thimphu 20th – 22nd Apr 2018 14th – 16th Apr 2019
29. Chhukha Tshechu Chhukha Dzong, Chhukha 9th – 11th Apr 2019
30. Paro Tshechu Rinpung Dzong, Paro 27th – 31st Mar 2018 7th – 11th Apr 2019
31. Zhemgang Tshechu Zhemgang Dzong, Zhemgang 24th – 27th Mar 2018 4th – 7th Apr 2019
32. Gasa Tshechu Gasa Dzong, Gasa 4th – 6th Mar 2018 3rd – 6th Apr 2019
33. Talo Tshechu Talo Gonpa,punakha 24th – 26th Mar 2018 4th – 6th Apr 2019
34. Gomphukora Gom Kora Lhakhang,trashigang 25th – 26th Mar 2018 4th – 6th Apr 2019
35. Chhorten Kora Chorten Kora, Trashiyangtshe 31st – 16th Apr 2018 11th – 26th Apr 2019
36. 2nd March THONGDROL Tharpaling Lhakhang, Chummi, BUMTHANG 2nd – 2nd Mar 2018 12th – 12th Mar 2019
37. Punakha Tshechu Punakha Dzong, Punakha 25th – 27th Feb 2018 7th – 9th Mar 2019
38. Punakha Drubchen Punakha Dzong, Punakha 21st – 24th Feb 2018 4th – 6th Mar 2019
39. Bhutan International Marathon 5th Mar 2018 5th Mar 2019
40. Nomad Festival Nagsephel, Bumthang 23rd – 24th Feb 2018  23rd – 24th Feb 2019
41. Takin Festival Damji, Gasa 15th – 18th Feb 2018 15th – 18th Feb 2019
42. Haa summer festival Town festival Ground, Haa 14th – 15th Jul 2018
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