Paro is one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan which is popular for being home to the only international airport of the country. Another special factor about this place is its rich history, culture, and heritage. While exploring this historic valley, you can explore more than 150 temples and monasteries dating back to the 14th century. With mesmerizing landscapes, terraced paddy fields, vibrant marketplaces, and scenic viewpoints, Paro never misses an opportunity to make the tourists. If you’re also willing to discover the beauty of this place then consider booking one of the best Paro travel packages today!
Apart from the natural beauty, another amazing reason to visit Paro is the stunning Paro Tshechu or Festival. For the local people here, this Tshechu is not only a mere festival but it is their belief and faith which helps tourists to get an insight into their religious, cultural, and spiritual significance. The amazing Paro Tshechu is celebrated with huge grandeur every year in the courtyard of the Paro or Rinpung Dzong. Your trip amidst the Himalayas will become unforgettable if you get the opportunity to cherish the traditional charm of this age-old Tshechu.
Learn More About The Majestic Paro Tshechu in Bhutan
The consecration of Paro Dzong was done in the year 1644 by Ponpo Rigzin Nyingpo and Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This grand celebration is considered the first time when the Paro Tshechu took place with traditional songs and masked dances. From then till now, this local festival of the valley has been celebrated with great happiness and zeal by the local people. Just like other Tshechus of the country, this Paro Tshechu is also enjoyed for five days when people also around the country commemorate the teachings and philosophies of Buddhist Saint Guru Rinpoche.
The main theme of this festival is the victory of the good against evil where all of the days are packed with various songs, dances, food, and religious ceremonies. Herein, you must note that if you’re willing to witness this festival then you don’t have to acquire any special permit or pay entry fees. Tourists can easily mingle with the locals and take part in the festivity.
A Travel Guide To Experience Paro Tshechu In Bhutan
- Always look at the Bhutanese festive calendar
If you’re planning a Bhutan trip for Paro Tshechu then the first thing you must do is look at the Bhutanese festive calendar. This is an essential tool that helps you get a list of the festivals celebrated in the country by various regions. You must note that this is basically a roadmap for visitors to plan their trip accordingly. While exploring the calendar, you can see that the upcoming date for the Paro Tshechu is on April 8 which will last till April 12.
- Consider travelling during the spring season
After you have identified the upcoming dates of the Paro Tshechu, you can now plan the trip accordingly. Herein, you can consider contacting the best travel agency in Bhutan to plan the festive holiday with your loved ones. Remember that this Tshechu in the Paro Valley is a spring festival so don’t forget to mention that you want to travel to Bhutan during the spring season. Planning the trip to Paro will also enable you to witness vibrant rhododendron blooms and lush green landscapes along with the festive vibes.
- Interact with the locals
To make the most of your Paro Tshechu holiday, you must consider interacting with the local communities. The local people of Paro can offer you the best guidance that will surely ensure you an immersive festive experience. Herein, the locals can also provide you with the necessary guidelines to participate in the festival including dress codes, appropriate behaviors, cultural dos and don’ts, and spiritual purpose. Remember that local interaction plays a vital role in helping you learn the cultural and historical significance of the festival along with the main reasons behind performing certain rituals.
- Plan your entire trip in advance
While planning your Paro trip, you must know that Paro Tshechu is celebrated during the peak spring season. During this season, the valley witnesses huge crowds which can make it difficult to find quality accommodation and transportation. This is why it is essential to plan the entire trip in advance. Herein, you can contact a travel planner and confirm the dates of your travel so that top-notch hotel rooms and cars can be rented to ensure an immersive and rich journey filled with history, colour, and smiling faces.
- Dress properly
When you’re participating in the Paro festival, you always need to be aware of what you’re wearing. Herein, you can always see that locals follow a proper dress code during the festival which also reflects respect towards the culture and traditional customs. You can also consider adopting the local dress code to enhance your participation in the festive environment. During the festive show, you can try wearing the traditional Gho and kira which is a great way to showcase respect towards the Bhutanese culture.
- Encourage active participation
Travelling to Bhutan is on the bucket list of many tourists due to the warm hospitality and friendliness of the local people. This makes it extremely easy for you to actively participate in the Tshechu ceremonies such as fun activities and dance performances. There are also various events arranged by the locals during the festival where you can also participate to promote local interaction. Additionally, you can also search for some festive-centric workshops in the valley to enjoy some traditional cooking and art and craft classes.
- Try the local cuisine
Another thing that you must add to your cultural travel guide for Paro Tshechu is tasting the delicious local cuisine. The authentic Bhutanese food plays a major role in the overall cultural experience during the festival trip. During this festival, you get an opportunity to try some traditional dishes that you won’t get at other times. Some of the dishes that you must sample while enjoying the festival are ema datshi, Phaksha paa, puta, suja, Jasha maroo, and hoentay. These dishes will help you witness the culinary traditions of the valley.
- Don’t miss the photography opportunities
While booking one of the exclusive Paro travel packages, don’t forget to dedicate some free time to photography. The vibrant Paro Tshechu is a paradise for photographers where you can arrange the schedule and indulge in remarkable festival photography. The expressive performances, architectural elements of the monastery, monastic rituals, and thrilling archery competitions are some of the things that are worth capturing through your lens. However, when clicking pictures always ask permission and respect the boundaries. This will help you to ensure cultural sensitivity during the photography sessions.
- Respect the communal harmony
The Paro Tshechu in Bhutan is the reflection of the strong communal support system and societal bonds existing in the Bhutanese culture. While participating in the festival, you must always respect this communal harmony. Herein, it is also vital for you to adopt a sense of community so that you can mingle with the locals to cherish the cultural values and social ties. This will help you enjoy the festivity while becoming a part of the local community. Also, remember to ensure cultural preservation so that the uniqueness of Bhutanese festivals is not lost.
- Learn about the spiritual significance
To ensure an immersive experience, you must gain essential insights into the spiritual significance of the Paro Tshechu. Herein, you must note that this festival is celebrated to honour Guru Rinpoche who was the main entity who brought Tantric Buddhism to the country. The performances that are celebrated during the festival depict spiritual tales and moral vignettes that showcase the triumph of good against evil. This significance of the Tshechu and the main motive of the spiritual offerings to the deities is vital to acknowledge while enjoying the festival.
- Follow festival etiquette
When you’re attending the festivals, always try to follow the festival etiquette. Herein, you can communicate with a local and follow their lead to observe the festival proceedings without exploiting the traditional culture and customs. You must know that the Paro Tshechu consists of various spiritual events such as the unfurling of the Thongdrel and other monastic rituals that you must respect throughout the trip. Your focus must always be on enjoying the festival while maintaining the sacred atmosphere.
- Don’t forget to witness the Tshechu dance performances
One of the main features of the Paro Tshechu is the vibrant dance performances. During your visit to Paro for the Tshechu, you must make sure to attend these dance performances which are a perfect showcase of the religious and cultural heritage of the country. The masked performances here are performed by the laymen and monks wearing colourful costumes and masks. During the performances, you can witness various rhythmic movements synchronized with the sounds of horns, drums, and cymbals.
Book Paro travel packages and visiting the valley during the festive season is indeed a great experience that you must enjoy at least once in your lifetime. The communal gathering, vibrant performances, festive vibes, colourful decorations, and fresh spring air make Paro Tshechu an extremely beautiful celebration that will help you attain some life-long memories with your loved ones.
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