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 Tshechu
Festivals of Bhutan
The Festivals(Tshechu) are the living manifestations of a long traditional
faith that dramatise the struggle between good & evil. Many
visitors come to Bhutan to witness religious festivals held annually
in Dzongs(Fortressess) throughout the Country. The most Popular
for the Tourists are those held in Thimphu, Paro and Bumthang. They
mark the busiest time of the year for tourism.The Dzong comes to
life with colour, music and dancing as valley dwellers and town
folk dress in their best clothes and join together to exorcise evil
sprits and rejoice in a new bountiful harvest. Rare masked and sword
dance and other rituals are performed in the Dzong’s courtyards
and temples. It is generally allowed to take photography at Tshechus(Festivals)
Most of the dances date back to beyond the middle ages and are
only performed once or twice. Each dance has its own spiritual importance
and can be performed by the monk or laymen dressed in bright costume.
Certain festivals end with the unveiling and worship of huge religious
appliqués or Thongdrels. The movement of the unveilings is
shrouded in secrecy and creates great excitement .It is believed
that the mere sight of the Thongdrol liberates a person from suffering
and blesses the person with good fortune and long life.
Thimphu and Paro Festivals are the most popular for tourists as
they are the most accessible. Visitors who come to Bhutan at other
times of the year should find out if other regional Dromchoes or
Tshechus are taking place, as they can be equally fascinating. The
Tshechu in Bumthang valley is well known for taking place almost
entirely during the evening and containing exciting fire dances,
which are intended to help the childless women at the festival,
conceive during the forthcoming year.
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