BHUTAN FESTIVALS ( PART 3)

JULY

1.       HAA SUMMER FESTIVAL /ALPINE SUMMER FESTIVAL

 In order to give tourists a peak into the Bhutanese culture and experience the Bhutanese culture and experience the Bhutanese way of life, the Alpine Summer Festival is organized in Haa for 2 days. In addition to the mask dances and traditional Bhutanese folks songs and dances and traditional Bhutanese folks songs and dances, alpine flowers are at display and one can get a good sneak peek into the highlander community and their way of life. Traditional sports like archery and darts are played and tourists also can experience the unique cuisine of Haa, which is different from food from other parts of the country.

Various homestay programs are also on offer for visitors who want to experience typical Bhutanese lifestyle and hospitality.

AUGUST

1.       MASUTAKE MUSHROOM FESTIVAL

Prized by gourments in Japan, this fungus is native to the forests of Ura valley in central Bhutan. Visitors learn to identify and harvest the wild Matsutake mushrooms of Bhutan during the festival. They can hike the valley’s fragrant trails and give into the thrill of the discovering their own private patch of this most coveted of mushrooms.

SEPTEMBER

1.       TOUR OF THE DRAGON ( BICYCLE RACE)

Considered one of the most challenging one day events in the world , the race covers 268 kilometers of absolutely stunning Himalayan landscapes as it takes cyclists from central to western Bhutan. Bikers traverse indomitable mountains, travel through pristine, virgin forests, over babbling streams and raging rivers of crystal clear water and across 4 high mountain passes. Set amid the high mountains of 3340 meters. Much like the infamous Paris Roubaix, the tour of Dragon is a trial that no self-respecting cyclist will want to pass up

2.       GANGTEY TSHECHU

The festival is held at Gangtey Goenpa in Phobjikha valley –the winter roosting ground of the migratory and rare black necked cranes. Different kinds of mask dances are performed during the festival. The festival concludes with the Nguedup Langwa (receiving o spiritual wisdom /power) which is a special blessing ritual for the people.

3.       THIMPHU DRUBCHEN

Thimphu Drubchen precedes the popular 3 day Thimphu Tshechu festival. The Drubchen showcases the sacred dances dedicated to the protecting deity of Bhutan , Palden Lhamo.

4.       WANGDUEPHODRANG TSHECHU

The festival is held in Wangduephodrang and is observed for 3 days in the autumn seasons. The Tshechu is well known for the Raksha Mangcham or the dance of the OX. Many different kinds of mask dances are performed during the festival. It concludes with the unfurling of the Guru Tshengye Thongdrol.

5.       HAA  TSHECHU

The annual Haa Tshechu is the biggest festival in the district. The festival was introduced in 1990 and it attracts people from all over western Bhutan. The highlight of the festival is one the third and final day when the illustrious throngdrol (large tapestry) of Guru Rinpoche is unfurled for the people to take blessing.

6.       THIMPHU TSHECHU

One of the biggest festivals in the country is the Thimphu Tshechu . This festival is held in the capital city for 3 days.The Tshechu is witnessed by thousands of people, both local and tourists.The actual Tshechu is preceded by days and nights of prayer and rituals to invoke the gods. Mask dances like the Guru Tshengye ( Eight Manifestations of Guru Rinpoche) , Shaw Shachi ( Dance of the Songs) and many more are performed.

7.       TAMZHING PHALA CHOEPA

The Tamzhing Phala Choepa festival is held at the TAmzhing monastery in Bumthang. The Tamzhing monastery is headed by the Venerable Lhalung Sungtrul Rinpoche who is considered to be the 11^th direct reincarnation of Terton Pema Lingpa.