Bhutan is a tranquil Himalayan Kingdom in South Asia which is also the only country across the globe that still follows Vajrayana Buddhism. The local people of Bhutan consider the cliffs, lakes, and mountains the holy abode for the Buddhist deities. Apart from natural beauty, Bhutan is also famous among tourists for its vibrant festivals. You must check the date of an upcoming festival before booking one of the Bhutan travel packages to attain a unique experience.
Bhutanese festivals are known as Tshechus among the local people, which is an annual celebration that represents the unique culture, rituals, beliefs, and traditions of a region. While visiting the country during a festival, you can communicate with the local people and also enjoy the unique masked dances, fire performances, and vibrant brocade costumes.
Enjoy the colourful festivals of Bhutan to understand the country’s unique traditions and culture
Gomphukora Festival
Gomphukora is a famous meditation cave in Trashiyangtse where you can witness lush green rice fields and a tranquil ambience. Gomphukora Festival is the most well-known Tshechu in this region, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm for 3 consecutive days.
The main highlights of this festival are various cultural ceremonies, circumambulations of the religious idols, and folk dances and songs. The local tribes wearing their traditional dresses also look amazing here. After witnessing this festival, you can also consider visiting the nearby sightseeing attractions such as Trashigang Dzong.
Date: 17th – 19th March
Talo Tshechu
If you have applied for a special permit in Thimphu to visit Punakha then you can enjoy the vibrant Talo Tshechu. However, you have to plan the trip during March to witness it. The venue of this festival is the Talo Monastery, which is just an hour away from the popular Punakha Dzong.
The key highlights of this popular festival are vibrant folk dances, exciting masked dances, and dance performances by the local villagers. Like any other Tshechu, this festival also holds great cultural and spiritual significance where you can get an elaborate idea about the traditional culture.
Date: 17th – 19th March
Gasa Tshechu
If you’re booking the best Bhutan tour package in March then another festival that you can enjoy is Gasa Tshechu. This perfectly orchestrated festival is celebrated for 3 days in the beautifully decorated Gasa Dzong. Gasa Dzong is a stunning monastery surrounded by snow-capped mountain ranges that can enable you to get some amazing views.
The main attractions of Gasa Tshechu are performances arranged by the laymen and monks wearing wooden masks. The colourful costumes, ornaments, and motifs worn by the local people are another attraction, where you can also witness various spiritual ceremonies and rituals.
Date: 17th – 19th March
Paro Tshechu
Paro is a must-visit place among tourists due to its numerous sightseeing attractions, dense forests, and picturesque beauty. While exploring this city of Bhutan, you can also witness Paro Tshechu, which is a local festival celebrated on the 10th day of the 2nd month of the Bhutanese calendar.
Cham dances, religious practices, unique dressing styles, four Stags, Dance of the Terrifying Deities, Black Hat Dance and Dance of the Drums from Drametse are some of the major attractions of this festival celebrated in the Rinpung Dzong. You can also witness the unfurling of a silk Thongdrel on the last day of the Tshechu.
Date: 21st – 25th March
Rhododendron Festival
If you’re an anthophile then you must not miss the chance of witnessing the vivacious rhododendron festival in Bhutan. This festival is celebrated in the Lam Pelri Royal Botanical Garden in Punakha where the key themes of this Tsechu are food, ecology, and culture.
The scenic landscapes, blooming rhododendrons, folk dances performed by the locals, and archery matches are the main highlights of the festival. Apart from spotting various varieties of rhododendrons, you can also buy souvenirs and taste local cuisine at this celebration.
Date: 13 – 14th April
Domkhar Tshechu
Not only the famous locations but Tshechus are also celebrated in the offbeat destinations of Bhutan. One such festival which is celebrated in a less-explored location is Domkhar Tshechu.
This 3-day festival is conducted in the Domkar Lhundrup Choling Monastery of Bumthang.
