Festivals

The Tshechu is a festival honoring Guru Padma Sambhava, "one who was born from a lotus flower." This Indian saint contributed enormously to the diffusion of Tartaric Buddhism in the Himalayan regions of Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan etc. around 800 AD. He is the founder of the Nyingmapa, the "old school" of Lamaism which still has numerous followers. The biography of Guru is highlighted by 12 episodes of the model of the Buddha Shakyamuni’s life. Each episode is commemorated around the year on the 10th day of the month by "the Tshechu". The dates and the duration of the festivals vary from one district to another but they always take place on or around the 10th day of the month according to the Bhutanese calendar. During Tshechu, the dances are performed by monks as well as by laymen. The Tshechu is a religious festival and by attending it, it is believed one gains merits. It is also a yearly social gathering where the people, dressed in all their finery, come together to rejoice.

Thimphu Tshechu (Festival) Dates:

2005 -   13th – 15th September
2006 -   02nd – 04th October

(Note : Above dates are provided by ABTO. Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators, dates of festival may change as it is based on lunar calender)