Thimphu Tshechu

When it happens

Thimphu Tshechu begins on the 10th day of a Bhutanese lunar month and ends on the 14th, or in some years the 13th or 15th. It usually starts in late September or early October.

Officially, the festival lasts three to five days, depending on the lunar calendar. In practice, it is usually a three-day festival.

Where it happens

The festival is held in the grounds of Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu’s royal administrative and monastic centre. The cham (sacred masked dances) are performed in the courtyard of Tashichho Dzong. The public gathers and receives blessings at Tendrel Thang, at Tashichho Dzong.

Thimphu Dromchoe, a separate observance dedicated to Palden Lhamo, the protecting deity of Bhutan, is held in the same courtyard.

History

The festival was instituted by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye to commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche.

The Dance of the Heroes was first performed at Druk Wangyel Tshechu, at Dochula, in December 2011. In 2012 it was performed at Thimphu Tshechu for the first time.

Dances and rituals

The dances include Pholey Moley (Dance of the Noblemen and Ladies), the Drametse Ngacham (Mask Dance of the Drums from Drametse) and the Black Hat dance. They also include the Durdag (Dance of the Lords of the Cremation Grounds), the Tungam (Dance of the Terrifying Deities) and the Raksha Mangcham (the Judgement of the Dead). These dances have not fallen on the same days every year.

Pholey Moley was composed from the story of King Norzang, a mythical king in Buddhist literature. Watching it is often described as strengthening family affection.

The final day has the Guru Tshengye, the eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche. It also brings the Ging and Tsholing cham and the Rigma Chudru (sixteen fairies).

The Deer Dance is also performed.

Being there

Thimphu Tshechu is one of the largest festivals in Bhutan. It draws Bhutanese and tourists from across the globe, and Tendrel Thang fills with hundreds of people of all ages.

With the festival in the capital, you have easy access to Thimphu’s cultural attractions, museums and monasteries.

Thimphu Dromchoe immediately precedes Thimphu Tshechu, so one trip to Thimphu can take in both.