Tshechu is a religious festival meaning “tenth day” held annually in various temples, monasteries and dzongs throughout the country.
The Tshechu is a religious event celebrated on tenth day of a month of the lunar calendar corresponding to the birthday of Guru Rimpoche (Guru Padmasambhava). However the exact month of the Tshechu varies from place to place and temple to temple.
Tshechus are grand events where entire communities come together to witness religious mask dances, receive blessings and socialize. In addition to the mask dances, tshechus also include colorful Bhutanese dances and other forms of entertainment. It is believed that everyone must attend a Tshechu and witness the mask dances at least once to in order to receive blessings and wash away their sins. Every mask dance performed during a Tshechu has a special meaning or a story behind it and many are based on stories and incidents from as long ago as the 8th century, during the life of Guru Padmasambhava. In monasteries, the mask dances are performed by monks and in remote villages, they are performed jointly by monks and village men.
Below are the tentative Bhutan Festival dates. You can plan your tour accordingly depending on the festivals you would like to witness.
FESTIVAL 2024
| SL# | FESTIVAL | PLACE | DATE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Punakha Drubchen | Punakha Dzong, Punakha | 16th -18th Feb |
| 2 | Punakha Tshechu | Punakha Dzong, Punakha | 19th -21st. Feb |
| 3 | Tharpaling Thongdrol | GuitarTharpaling Lhakhang, Chumi, Bumthang | 24th Feb |
| 4 | Gomphukora | Gom Kora Lhakhang,Trashigang | 17th -19th March |
| 5 | Talo Tshechu | Talo Gonpa, Punakha | 17th -19th March |
| 6 | Gasa Tshechu | Gasa Dzong, Gasa | 17th -19th March |
| 7 | Zhemgang Tshechu | Zhemgang Dzong, Zhemgang | 17th -19th March |
| 8 | Paro Tshechu | Rinpung Dzong, Paro | 20th -24th March |
| 9 | Chhorten Kora | Chorten Kora, Trashiyangtshe | 25th March & 8th April |
| 10 | Domkhar Tshechu | Domkhar, Chumi, Bumthang. | 18th -20th April |
| 11 | Ura Yakchoe | Ura Lhakhang, Bumthang | 20th -24th April |
| 12 | Nimalung Tshechu | Nimalung Dratshang, Chumi, Bumthang | 14th -16th June |
| 13 | Kurjey Tshechu | Kurjey Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang | 16th June |
| 14 | Tour of the Dragon | Bumthang to Thimphu | 2nd Sept |
| 15 | Thimphu Drubchen | Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu | 8th Sept |
| 16 | Wangdue Tshechu | Wangduephodrang Dzong, Wangdue | 11th -13th Sept |
| 17 | Tamshing Phala Chhoepa | Tamshing lhakhang, Bumthang | 13th -15th Sept |
| 18 | Thimphu Tshechu | Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu | 12th -14th Sept |
| 19 | Gangtey Tshechu | Gangtey Gonpa, Wangduephodrang | 16th -18th Sept |
| 20 | Thangbi Mani | Tangbi Lhakhang, Choekor, Bumthang | 17th -19th Sept |
| 21 | Jhomolhari Mountain Festival | Dangochong, Thimphu | 14th -15th Oct |
| 22 | Chhukha Tshechu | Chhukha Dzong, Chhukha | 10th -12th Oct |
| 23 | Jakar Tshechu | Jakar Dzong, Choekhor, Bumthang. | 10th -12th Oct |
| 24 | Jambay Lhakhang Drup | Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang | 17th -21st Oct |
| 25 | Prakhar Duchhoed | Prakar Lhakhang, Chumni, Bumthang | 18th -20th Oct |
| 26 | Dechenphu Tshechu | Dechenphu Lhakhang, Thimphu | 12th Oct |
| 27 | Black Necked Crane Festival | Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha | 11th Nov |
| 28 | Mongar Tshechu | Mongar Dzong, Mongar | 9th -11th Nov |
| 29 | Trashigang Tshechu | Trashigang Dzong, Trashigang. | 9th -11th Nov |
| 30 | Jambay Lhakhang Singye Cham | Jambay Lhakhang, Bumthang | 15th Nov |
| 31 | Pemagatshel Tshechu | Pemagatshel Dzong, Pemagatshel. | 9th -11th Nov |
| 32 | Nalakhar Tshechu | Ngaa Lhakhang, Bumthang | 15th -17th Nov |
| 33 | Druk Wangyel Tshechu | Douchula , Thimphu | 13th Dec |
| 34 | Trongsa Tshechu | Trongsa Dzong, Trongsa | 8th -10th Dec |
| 35 | Lhuentse Tshechu | Lhuentse Dzong, Lhuentse | 8th -10th Dec |
| 36 | Nabji Lhakhang Drup | Nabji Lhakhang, Nabji, Trongsa | 15th-16th Dec |
| 37 | Samdrupjongkhar Tshechu | Samdrupjongkhar | 13th -15th Dec |
| TENTATIVE FESTIVAL DATES FOR THE YEAR 2024 |