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 is a later addition to the repertoire.
Dances and rituals
The opening day has Pholay Molay, the Drametse Ngacham (Mask Dance of the Drums from Drametse) and the Zhana Cham. Pholay Molay is based on Siddhartha’s princely life, and watching it is said to strengthen family affection.
The second day has the Durdag, the Tum Ngam Cham, the Raksha Cham and the Raksha Nga Cham.
The final day has the Guru Tshengye, the eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche. It also brings the Ging and Tsholing cham, the Rigma Chudru (sixteen fairies) and the dance of the heroes.
The Black Hat dance and the Deer Dance are 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.