Bhutan or the Last Shangri-La is a serene destination in South Asia with some of the best lush green valleys, ancient monasteries, and glistering rivers. Along with the natural beauty, this country is famous for its traditional culture, lifestyle, and rich heritage. If you want to dive into the diverse culture of the country then you must attend one of the traditional Bhutanese festivals during your trip. You can first search about the festivals and then book the best Bhutan tour package from Jaigaon to plan the trip during that festival.
Bhutanese festivals are also known as Tshechu which is an essential part of the Bhutanese lifestyle since it reflects the spirituality and traditions of the country. Not only the local people but also the visitors love to attend these festivals to learn about the rich cultural heritage of the region. Bond with the local people, taste traditional cuisine and learn about the religious practices of Bhutan from these vibrant festivals.
All About Bhutanese Festivals or Tshechu
Bhutanese people follow the core principles of Buddhism and all the dances, religious rituals, and music performed in the local Tshechus celebrate the Buddhist philosophies. In almost all the prominent towns of the country, local people celebrate some sort of Tshechus but most of them are celebrated in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Herein, you can consider visiting Dzongs, monasteries, and temples which are the usual spot for these festivals.
One main highlight that you can see in all the festivals is the vibrant Chham dance. This dance form is done by wearing colourful masks and then dancing to depict the stories of legends and religious histories. Apart from this dance, the local people and monks also perform folk dances, religious ceremonies, and music shows during the festival.
Top Bhutanese Festivals To Attend During Your Trip
1. Paro Tshechu
Paro Tshechu is a 5-day long spring festival which is celebrated to remember the construction of scenic Paro Dzong. This celebration also commemorates the teaching and contribution of Guru Rinpoche. Masked dances performed by the commoners and monks are the main highlights of this festival. Herein, you also shouldn’t miss the unveiling of the thangka painting of Guru Rinpoche.
- Location: Paro Dzong
- Time: According to the Bhutanese Calendar, Paro Tshechu falls on the 10th day of the second lunar month. You can consider booking the trip during the 3rd or 4th week of March to attend this popular festival.
2. Black-Necked Crane Festival
The Black-Necked Crane Festival is conducted to raise awareness about endangered black-necked cranes. When the migratory birds arrive in the valley, this festival is celebrated in the courtyard of the Gangtey Goempa. Crane dances, masked dances, and folk songs are the main attractions of this event. Herein, the local people also arrange theatrical performances to conserve the exotic birds.
- Location: Gangtey Monastery
- Time: Plan your trip during the 2nd or 3rd week of November to enjoy this festival. During this time, you can also spot some endangered black-necked cranes.
3. Thimphu Tshechu
Thimphu Tshechu is the national festival of the country which you should experience once in your lifetime. In this 3-day grand celebration, the monks as well as the local people pray to invoke the spirits and gods. Various authentic dance performances can also be witnessed in this festival which include Dance of the Lords of the Cremation Grounds, Dance of the Stags, and Dance of the Terrifying Deities.
- Location: Tashichho Dzong
- Time: The timing for the Thimphu Tshechu also depends upon the lunar calendar. It is recommended to plan the festive tour during the last week of September or 1st week of October to attend the festival.
4. Haa Summer Festival
If you want to discover the beauty of summer in Bhutan then you must attend the Haa Summer Festival. This 2-day event is celebrated by the local people amidst high alpine valleys and pristine lakes. You get to understand the local lifestyle of the nomadic people in this event. Display of alpine flowers, local area brewing, and religious masked dances are the top highlights of this festival.
- Location: Haa Valley
- Time: Contact the best Bhutan tour operator and book a tour package on the 1st or 2ndweek of July to attend the Haa Summer Festival. Mostly, this festival is celebrated in early July.
5. Punakha Drubchen and Tshechu
Another vibrant festival celebrated during the spring season in Punakha is the Punakha Drubchen. The main role of this festival is to commemorate the victory of the country over the Tibetan forces. Depicting scenes of the battle and the unfurling of Guru Rinpoche are the key focuses of this beautiful event.
- Location: Punakha Dzong
- Time: To witness the precious moments of the military history of the country and masked dances in this festival, you can visit Punakha during the 2nd week of March.
6. Wangdue Phodrang Tshechu
If you’re adding Wangdue Phodrang to your Bhutan itinerary then you get the chance to witness Wangdue Phodrang Tshechu. This 3-day festival is the biggest celebration of this district and celebrates the construction of the scenic Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. Some of the traditional dance performances that you can see here are Shaw Shachi, Lozeys, and Raksha Mangcham.
- Location: Wangdue Phodrang Dzong
- Time: If you want to enjoy this annual festival then you can book the Bhutan tour during the 2nd or 3rd week of September. You can check the lunar cycle to get the exact date of the festival.
7. Matsutake Mushroom Festival
Another unique festival you should attend in Bhutan is the Matsutake Mushroom Festival. This festival is celebrated by the people of Bumthang and Thimphu to promote sustainable harvesting practices and awareness about the local Matsutake mushrooms. Apart from performances, you also get to taste some delicious mushroom dishes while attending this festival.
- Location: Ura Valley, Bumthang and Genekha, Thimphu
- Time: This event is celebrated by the local people during the mushroom season. It is recommended to arrange the Bhutan tour in August to witness this festival.
8. Jomolhari Mountain Festival
You can book the best Bhutan tour package from Jaigaon to attend the mesmerizing Jomolhari Mountain Festival. If you have the dream of trekking in the Himalayas then this festival is for you as you get to hike through the popular Jomolhari Trek to attend it. Various themed dances, a snow leopard show, and other performances wearing brightly coloured dresses are the key highlights of this event.
- Location: Base of Mount. Jomolhari
- Time: Witness this magical festival on the base of Mount Jomolhari by planning a Bhutan tour during October. In 2024, the 14th and 15th are the exact dates of the celebration.
9. Jambay Lhakhang Drup
Jambay Lhakhang Drup is a fall festival celebrated in one of the oldest temples situated aside from the Bumthang Chhu. This is a striking Bhutanese festival which enables you to explore all the 108 temples located inside the Lhakhang. Other unique dance performances to enjoy in this event are Mewang and Tercham.
- Location: Jambay Lhakhang
- Time: This annual festival is usually celebrated during the late fall. To observe this event, it is advised to visit the country at the end of October or during 1st week of November.
10. Dochula Druk Wangyel Festival
Take a scenic drive through the winding mountain roads surrounded by dense tests to reach the picturesque Dochula Pass. In this sightseeing attraction, the famous Dochula Druk Wangyel Festival is celebrated where the contributions of the Royal Bhutan army are remembered. Some of the eye-appealing attractions of this festival are mask and folk dances as well as other cultural programs organized by the local people.
- Location: Dochula Pass
- Time: You can witness this popular spring festival by arranging the Bhutan holiday during the last week of February or 1st week of March.
11. Merak Tshechu Festival
If you love gathering offbeat experiences then you must attend the stunning Merak Tshechu Festival. This event celebrated in a remote village of Eastern Bhutan features various unique traditions of the authentic Brokpa community. Traditional songs, masked dances, and traditional songs are the features of this vibrant festival.
- Location: Merak Lhakhang
- Time: Merak Tshechu is usually celebrated during the mid-week of June. You can plan the tour in the 2nd or 3rd week of June to attend this amazing festival.
12. Nomad Festival
The Nomad Festival is a spring festival that reflects the lifestyle and culture of the Nomadic people of the Himalayas. You get to witness the art, traditions, music, practices, and dance forms of the Nomadic communities while attending this event. Traditional games, royal procession, and indigenous culinary items are the main highlights of this unique celebration.
- Location: Nagsephel, Tang Valley, Bumthang
- Time: The last week of February is the main time when this Bhutanese Nomad Festival is situated. Arrange a vacation during the last week of February or the first week of March to witness this event.
Book the best Bhutan tour package from Jaigaon today from a reputed travel planner like AV Holiday World to get the best accommodation, local guidance, and transfers during your festive tour. Don’t forget to wear modestly and avoid wearing any sleeveless or short attire while attending the festivals to show respect towards the rich heritage and culture of the country.
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