Tshechu is a religious festival meaning “tenth day” held annually in various temples, monasteries and dzongs throughout the country.
The Tshechu is a religious event celebrated on tenth day of a month of the lunar calendar corresponding to the birthday of Guru Rimpoche (Guru Padmasambhava). However the exact month of the Tshechu varies from place to place and temple to temple.
Tshechus are grand events where entire communities come together to witness religious mask dances, receive blessings and socialize. In addition to the mask dances, tshechus also include colorful Bhutanese dances and other forms of entertainment.
It is believed that everyone must attend a Tshechu and witness the mask dances at least once to in order to receive blessings and wash away their sins. Every mask dance performed during a Tshechu has a special meaning or a story behind it and many are based on stories and incidents from as long ago as the 8th century, during the life of Guru Padmasambhava. In monasteries, the mask dances are performed by monks and in remote villages, they are performed jointly by monks and village men.
Two of the most popular Tshechus in the country are the Paro and Thimphu Tshechus in terms of participation and audience. Besides the locals, many tourists from across the world are attracted to these unique, colorful and exciting displays of traditional culture.
| Festival | Place | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Punakha Drubchen | Punakha Dzong, Punakha | 28 Feb – 03 Mar 2020 |
| Punakha Tshechu | Punakha Dzong, Punakha | 05 – 07 Mar 2020 |
| Tangsibi Mani | Tangsibi Lhakhang, Ura, Bumthang | 08 – 12 Mar 2020 |
| Tharpaling Thongdrol | Tharpaling Lhakhang, Chumey, Bumthang | 09 Mar 2020 |
| Talo Tshechu | Talo Monastery, Punakha | 01 – 03 Apr 2020 |
| Paro Tshechu Chhenmo | Rinpung Deyangkha, Paro | 04 – 08 Apr 2020 |
| Rhododendron Festival | Lamperi Botanical Garden, Dochula, Thimphu | 17 – 19 Apr 2020 |
| Domkhar Tshechu | Domkhar Lhakhang, Chumey, Bumthang | 03 – 05 May 2020 |
| Ura Yakchoed | Ura Lhakhang, Ura, Bumthang | 04 – 08 May 2020 |
| Nimalung Tshechu | Nimalung Monastery, Bumthang | 28 – 30 Jun 2020 |
| Kurjey Tshechu | Kurjey Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang | 30 Jun 2020 |
| The Haa Summer Festival | Dzongkhag. Ground, Upper Market, Haa | 11 -12 Jul 2020 |
| Matsutake Mushroom Festival | Genekha, Thimphu | 22 – 23 Aug 2020 |
| Tour of the Dragon | Bumthang to Thimphu | 07 Sep 2020 |
| Thimphu Dromchoe | Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu | 22 Sep 2020 |
| Haa Tshechu | Lhakhang Karpo, Haa | 24 – 26 Sep 2020 |
| Wangdue Tshechu | Tencholing Army Ground, Wangdue Phodrang | 24 – 26 Sep 2020 |
| Thimphu Tshechu | Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu | 26 – 28 Sep 2020 |
| Tamshig Phala Choedpa | Tamshing Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang | 26 – 28 Sep 2020 |
| Jomolhari Mountain Festival | Jangkothang, Upper Paro | 14 – 15 Oct 2020 |
| Royal Highlander Festival | Laya, Gasa | 23 – 24 Oct 2020 |
| Jakar Tshechu | Jakar Dzong, Bumthang | 23 – 27 Oct 2020 |
| Jambey Lhakhang Drup | Jambey Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang | 31 Oct – 03 Nov 2020 |
| Black-Necked Crane Festival | Gangtey Goenpa, Phobjikha, Wangdue Phodrang | 11 Nov 2020 |
| Bird Festival | Tingtibi, Zhemgang | 11 – 13 Nov 2020 |
| Chojam Rabney | Chojam Lhakhang, Tang, Bumthang | 29 Nov – 03 Dec 2020 |
| Pangkhar Choedpa | Pangkhar Lhakhang, Ura, Bumthang | 10 – 14 Dec 2020 |
| Druk Wangyel Tshechu | Dochula, Thimphu | 13 Dec 2020 |
