BHUTAN FESTIVALS (PART 1)

THEMED BASED FESTIVALS

Besides the numerous religious events, Bhutan also hosts a variety of theme based festivals, celebrating the country’s rich culture and arcane lifestyle.

Festivals like the Nomad Festival, Jumolhari Mountain Festival; to name a few, offer a glimpse into the unsullied culture of ethnic communities and their unique traditions. These festivals are a big draw among locals and tourists alike.

JANUARY

1.       DAGANA TSHECHU

The 5 day Dagana Tshechu takes place in the early week of the New Year and it brings together Bhutanese folks from all walks of life, to observe and partake in this annual festival of mask dances.

2.       DAGAPELA TSHECHU

Dagapela is a small settlement south east of Dagana town. The Dagapela Tshechu attracts villagers from near and far.

3.       GELEPHU TSHECHU

Besides the religious dancers and singers, there are atsara who usually wear funny masks. To many, atsara are one of the main attractions of the Tshechu. They humor onlookers and at the same time also maintain order.

FEBRUARY

1.       TANGSIBI MINI FESTIVAL

The festival is held in Tangsibi Tashiling Lkhakhang in Tangsibi village in Ura Heowg in Bumthang. The festival roots back to the Tibetan Treasure discoverer ( Treton) Sherab Mebar, who visited Bhutan and settled at the site. The festival is believed to bring peace and to the entire community.

2.       LHAMOZHINGKHA TSHECHU

The 3 day Tshechu brings the small settlement of Lhamoizingkha to life. This is the biggest festival in the small settlement town of Lhamoizingkha.

3.       NOMAD FESTIVALS

The annual nomad festival is held in Bumthang in central Bhutan. Bumthang is about 8 hour drive from the capital city of Thimpu. This annual gathering brings together the nomads of the northeastern and northwestern Himalayan frontiers in an unforgettable celebration of their unique cultures and traditions. The festival is an ideal platform to witness and experience the unique traditions and way of life of different highlander communities in the country.

4.       BHUTAN INTERNATIONAL MARATHON

The Bhutan International Marathon is an annual event organized by the Bhutan Olympic Committee. The marathon begins in Gasa and winds up at the Punakha Dzong. Athlets run a total of 26.2 miles or 42 kilometres through stunning landscape, spanning rich rural countryside, arcane settlements and lush vegetation. Of late, the event has started attracting athletes from all over the world.

5.        PUNAKHA DRUBCHEN

PUNAKHA is a unique festival as it hosts a dramatic recreation of the scene from the 17^th century battle with the Tibetan army. This is one of the oldest festivals of the district. Unlike the annual festival called unlike the annual festival called unlike the annual festival called the tshechu, the Punakha Drubchen is a detailed dramatization of how the local Bhutanese militia duped and defeated an invading Tibetan army and forced them to withdraw. This 17^th century event was also the beginning of the consolidation process of Bhutan as a country and it is historically very important for the country. This event is also a celebration of the Bhutanese roots.

6.       TRASHIYANGTSE TSHECHU

The tshechu is the celebration of the birthday of the Guru Rinpoche who visited many sites in Trashiyangtse ad there are several amazing stories of how he subdued evil spirits and converted them into protective deities of Buddhism. It is also a time for locals and visitors to pay homage and respects to Guru Rinpoche.

7.       PUNAKHA TSHECHU

The Punakha tsechu is one of the most popular tsechus in the country. It is held right after the popular Punakha Drubchen. The unfurling of the thongdrol (a large tapestry) of Guru Rinpoche is the attraction of the festival. It is believed than a mere sight of the thongdrol liberates an onlooker and cleanses him of his sins.

MARCH

1.       DOMKHAR TSHECHU

The 3 day festival coincides with the death anniversary of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. Sacred dances such as the Black Hat Dance, the 3 Ging and the drummers of Drametse are performed. A small thongdrol representing the future Buddha Maitreya ( Jampa) is unfurled for the public to receive blessing and it is the highlight of the festival.

2.       THARPALING THONGDROL

Tharpaling Thongdrol festival is held annually at Tharpaling Monastery. Tharpaling festival mainly a display of the giant Thongdrol (applique silk work with Buddhist images), preceded by prayers and ceremonies. It is a very popular festival in Bumthang.

3.       CHORTEN KORA

The Chorten Kora Festival is one of the most popular festivals in eastern Bhutan. “ Kora” means circumambulation. The biggest activity of the festival is circumambulating the Chorten Kora. It also attracts people from the neighboring Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. It brings out colourful aspects of Bhutanese culture such as mask dances, the rich textiles and brocades worn by the locals and the triumphant atmosphere of the festival itself.

4.       BULI MANI

Buli Lhakhang (temple) is located on a little knoll in Chumey valley, Bumthang.This festival is held every 2 years on the 16^th day of the first month of the Bhutanese calendar.

5.         GASA TSHECHU

The Gasa tshechu is the biggest festival in the small district of Gasa in northwest Bhutan. Gasa is home to highlander communities. While many mask dances are performed, the local folk dances performed are very unique and distinct adding to the festive mood of the celebration.

6.       ZHEMGANG TSHECHU

Zhemgang is one of the remote districts in the country and the annual tshechu is the biggest festival in the district. Different mask dances are performed during the festival. The highlight of the festival of the festival is the unfurling of the huge Thongdrol (large tapestry) of Guru Rinpiche. It is believed that the mere sight of the Thongdrol cleanses one of all sins.

7.       TALO TSHECHU

The 3 day Talo Tshechu is well known for its mask dances and the atsar dances. An equally popular attraction, which has a deep religious and historical significance, is the Zhungdra (classical dance) by the Talo dance troupe. The 3 songs of Mani Sum, which comprise the Zhundra set, are performed as the closing items on each day of the 3 days of the Tshechu. The 3 song, Samyi Sala (performed on the first day) , Drukpa Dungery ( second day) and Thowachi Gangi Tselay on the final day, are the price of the Talo community.

8.       GOMKORA FESTIVAL

The Gomphukora temple is a tribute to a sacred cave formed out of the rock face. Gomphu means “meditation cave” while Kora translate to “circumambulation”. The monastery has many relics of Guru Rinpoche who visited the site in the 8^th century.

9.       TSIRANG TSHECHU

The annual tshechu is the biggest festival in the southern town of Tsirang. The festival attracts people from all over the region. Several different kinds of mask dances are performed. Local and traditional dances and music add color to the festive mood. The Thongdrol (large tapestry) of Guru Rinpoche is unfurled on the last day of the tshechu.

10.   PELING TSHECHU

The 3 day Peling Tshechu brings together a rich selection of sacred mask dance of the Peling tradition from across the country. This Tshechu is performed for the longevity and good health of the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. Showcased during the festival are Kunzang Drak Tshechu , Tamzhing Phala Choedpa,Nimaling Treda,Korphu Drup,Yungdrung Choeling Drup, Drametse Tshechu, Padtsheling Phurbai Cham and Gangtey Tshechu. The Tshechu will end with a Throm Wang (blessing) by His Eminence Sungtrul Rinpoche, Gangtey Trulku, Padtsheling Trulku and Datong Trulku.