When it happens
The festival follows the Punakha Dromchoe, which falls in the first month of the Bhutanese lunar calendar, so its Gregorian dates shift each year. It is reported to begin immediately after the three-day Punakha Dromchoe and to last three days. The Punakha district administration usually announces the two festivals together.
Where it happens
The festival is usually held in the Kuenrey (courtyard) of Punakha Dzong. Punakha Dzong is described as standing at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu and as the former seat of government. It is also described by the name Pungtang Dechen Photrang.
History
The festival is described as celebrating the arrival of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and his contributions. It is often described as unusual among tshechus (festivals honouring Guru Rinpoche) in centring on the Zhabdrung and in being attached to the Punakha Dromchoe’s story of victory.
The original tshechu is described as dating from the 17th century, when the Zhabdrung instituted it to commemorate Guru Rinpoche’s auspicious day. That older tshechu is reported to be held in the eighth Bhutanese month with prayers only, separate from this one. The public festival is reported to have been instituted in 2005.
Dances and rituals
The festival is described as presenting mask dances and cultural programmes. It is reported to close with the Guru Tshengye (a mask dance of the Eight Manifestations of Guru Rinpoche) and blessings.
The older eighth-month tshechu is reported to have no mask dance. There, monks are reported to chant prayers and display sacred relics.
Punakha’s thongdrels (giant appliqué scrolls) of the Zhabdrung are reported to be unfurled at Zhabdrung Kuchoe, which is described as a separate observance on the tenth day of the third Bhutanese month.
Being there
The festival is usually part of one week-long visit that also takes in the Punakha Dromchoe. The valley has pleasant late-winter weather. The public festival is reported to draw crowds to the courtyard, while the older eighth-month tshechu is described as unfolding in quiet reverence with few spectators.