APRIL
1.
PARO TSHECHU
The Paro Tshechu is one of the biggest festivals in the
country. On the first day , all mask dances are held inside the courtyard
outside the dzong hosts the festival.
2.
RHODODENDRON FESTIVAL
The festival celebrates the rhododendron flower. The
festival features the rhododendron garden walk and exhibition, local culture
and cuisines, arts and crafts, traditional games, cultural program, guided
walks and activities. The festival showcases different species that are in full
bloom in their natural habitat. Of the 46 rhododendron species recorded in the
country, 29 are found in Lamperi Botanical Park, 35km from Thimphu.
3.
YONGPHULA TSHECHU
The Yongphula Tshechu is one of the most popular annual
festivals in eastern Bhutan. People all over eastern Bhutan attend the 3 day
festival. The festival portrays Bhutanese culture in its full glory with sacred
mask dances and traditional folk songs and dances entertaining crowds.
4.
DUNGKHAR TSHECHU
A distinction of Dungkhar Tshechu is that people are
given the blessing of the lake. During this festival, the local deity of Khar
Village, Nalu Thoepa, is propitiated and offerings are made to him. It is
believed that the local deity would not protect the community of he is not
given his due of reverence and natural calamities like heavy rains and storms
would bring havoc to the community.
5.
DOMKHAR TSHECHU
The Domkhar Tshechu is one of the most popular festivals
among the locals in Bumthang among the locals in Bumthang. It marks the
birthday of Guru Rinpoche, the Indian Buddhist saint who visited Bhutan in the
8th century.
6.
URA YAKCHOE
This annual festival held in Ura in Bumthang is known
for its famous dance called the “ Ura Yakchoe”. A sacred relic is displayed for
people to receive blessing from. According to legend, an old woman sitting
outside her house was visited by a lama asking for a glass of water. When she
came out with the water, the lama had vanished leaving behind only a sack. Out
of curiosity, she checked the bag and found the statue that is now displayed
annually. This relic has been passed on from generation to generation and is
still owned by descendants of the woman.
JUNE
1.
MAXIMUM TREES PLANTED BY A TEAM
( A GENUINNESS WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT)
Coinciding with the coronation of His Majesty the Fourth
Druk Gyalpo and the Social Forestry Day, 111 Bhutanese will plant 50000 trees
in 1 hour on 2 June, 2015. This mass tree plantation event is an attempt to
beat the current world record of 40885 d by trees planted by 100 heads in 1
hour. Participants will undergo vigorous 10 day training on tree plantation
technique prior to the event for proper coordination, speed and technique to
beat the current record. The tentative name for the park is Jigme Singye
Wangchuck Forest Park.
2.
PEDSELLING KUCHOD
The Pedselling Kuchod is held at the Pedselling
monastery in Choekhor gewog in Bumthang . It is held on 20th and the
21st day of the fourth Bhutanese month. Several mask dances are
performed including the Drametse Nga Cham, Pacham, Ging and Zhacham. On the
first day, a large tapestry of Buddha Shakyamuni, Avalokiteshvara and Guru
Padmasambhawa is displayed. On the second day, the highlight is a special
blessing of the phurba (spiritual dagger) belonging to the founder of the
temple. The dagger is preserved inside a box and is one of the main relics of
the temple.
3.
NIMALUNG TRELDAW
This festival takes place at the Nimalung Lhakhang.
Located in the stunning valley of Chummi in Bumthang. The main highlight of the
festival is the unfurling of a 9 metre high and twelve meters wide Guru
Rinpoche Thongdrol.
4.
KURJEY LHAKHANG TSHECHU
The Kurjey Tshechu coincides with the birth anniversary
of Guru Rinpoche. Different kinds of mask dances are performed during the
festival apart from traditional and folk songs and dances.
5.
TREL DA TSHECHU
The annual festival is held at the Yakhang Lhakhang
located about 20 minute walk from the main Mongar town. The festival is held to
commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche. Lama Sangdag, the 6th
son of Terton Pema Lingpa, founded the Yakhang Lhakhang.
6.
CONSECRATION OF THE 21 TARA
THONGDROL
Consecration of the 21 Tara Thongdrol at Tara Zhingkham
Lhakhang on the 15th day of the 5th month of the lunar.
