Throughout the Kingdom of Bhutan there are major festivals celebrated during each Tibetan lunar cycle. As Bhutan is one of the most devoted Buddhist nations in greater Asia, Buddhist festivals are as much part of life as breathing and have a special place in the hearts of the Bhutanese. Historically, these vibrant and colorful festivals are deeply rooted, originated as far back as the 17th century, mostly to honor the deeds of the Buddha, as well as the Buddhist masters of times past. The festivals known as Tsechus, meaning ‘10th, refers to the 10th day of the month, when Guru Remuche’s great deeds too place. Festivals are regular gathering occasion for tens of thousands of Bhutanese annually, to dress in their most cherished cloths, for socializing, dance, laughter and of course eating and enjoying the local food and beverage. For the locals, an important part of the festival is receiving a blessing from the revered monks.
Many of the masked dancers who participate in the festivals are eloquently dressed monks, while some are professionals showcasing their art form. These folk dancers’ dresses are elaborately sown according to Bhutanese tradition. Dances many times represent the battle between good and evil. It is believed, the deeply meditative circular dances create spiritual powers, which absolve and bless the on-looking audience. The circular movements symbolize the spinning of a prayer wheel.
Festivals can range from a few days to more than a week.
The most visited festivals
Thimphu Tshechu
Regarded as one of the biggest festivals in Bhutan. This festival is held in the capital city, for three days beginning on 10th day of the 8th month of lunar calendar. This festival attracted by thousands of people from neighboring Dzongkhags (districts). The festival is followed by days and nights of prayer and rituals to summon the gods.
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Paro Tshechu
Famous among the locals and for experiencing the ancient living culture of Bhutan, Paro Tsechu is one the favorites. Dances performed by masked monks wearing beautifully made costumes are generously featured at this festival. The highlight of the Paro Tsechu is the unfolding of the traditional silk Thangka, large enough to cover an entire building, is considered by the Bhutanese as one of the most sacred blessings in the whole of Bhutan.
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Jambay Lhakhang Drup
Jambay Lhakhang is one of 108 Buddhist temples built by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo in the late 8th century. Celebrated as one of the most cherished landmarks of the arrival of Buddhism in Bhutan, this temple has become the gathering point of one of Bhutan’s more unique Tshechu. The highlight of this festival is a naked dance, to purify sins in the promise of a good harvest.
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Punakha Drubchen
An historical 16th century war imitation between the Bhutanese and the Tibetans are retold in festivity.
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Haa Summer Festival
Situated alone the untouched lakes and high alpine valleys, the lively Haa summer festival is an uplifting celebration of traditional nomadic lifestyle, unique Bhutanese cuisine, traditional sports and Buddhist performances. Watch the weaving and making of yak hair tents and sample the delicious home-cooked cuisine, enjoy traditional folk songs and dances, while sipping the local liquor.
Home to the ancestral Dorji family, the resilient and hardworking yak herders of Haa reside on the high valleys above 3,000 meters. These include potatoes, wheat & barley and farmers. Their devotion revolves Buddhist and Shamanic deities as well as their guardian spirit, believed to protect all people born in Haa. The Haa festival offer an insight into the lives and traditions of Bhutan’s nomadic herders. Immerse yourself in this one of a kind experience by participating in the local sports.
FESTIVAL DATES FOR 2018, 2019
Please see below a list of the most prominent festivals and events held in Bhutan throughout the year. Bear in mind, the dates of the festivals are usually determined by the lunar cycle and may well vary from year to year.
| # | FESTIVAL | PLACE | 2018 | 2019 |
| 1. | Nabji Lhakhang Drup | Nabji Lhakhang, Nabji, Trongsa | 22nd – 24th Dec 2018 | 2nd – 4th Jan 2019 |
| 2. | Lhuentse Tshechu | Lhuentse Dzong, Lhuentse | 15th – 17th Dec 2018 | 26th – 28th Dec 2019 |
| 3. | Trongsa Tshechu | Trongsa Dzong, Trongsa | 15th – 17th Dec 2018 | 26th – 28th Dec 2019 |
| 4. | Druk Wangyel Tshechu | Dochula, Thimphu | 13th – 13th Dec 2018 | 13th – 13th Dec 2019 |
| 5. | Jambay Lakhang Singye Cham | Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang | 23rd – 23rd Nov 2018 | 3rd – 3rd Dec 2019 |
| 6. | Trashigang Tshechu | Trashigang Dzong, Trashigang | 17th – 19th Nov 2018 | 27th – 29th Nov 2019 |
| 7. | Mongar Tshechu | Mongar Dzong, Mongar | 15th – 18th Nov 2018 | 26th – 28th Nov 2019 |
| 8. | Black Necked Crane Festival | Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha, Wangduephodrang | 11th – 11th Nov 2018 | 11th – 11th Nov 2019 |
| 9. | Prakhar Duchhoed | Prakar Lhakhang, Chummi, Bumthang | 25th – 27th Oct 2018 | 4th – 6th Nov 2019 |
| 10. | Jambay Lhakhang Drup | Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang | 24th – 27th Oct 2018 | 3rd – 7th Nov 2019 |
| 11. | Pemagatshel Tshechu | Pemagatshel Dzong, Pemagatshel | 23rd – 25th Nov 2018 | 26th – 28th Nov 2019 |
| 12. | Dechenphu Tshechu | Dechenphu Lhakhang, Thimphu | 30th – 30th Oct 2018 | 30th – 30th Oct 2019 |
| 13. | Jakar Tshechu | Jakar Dzong, Choekhor, Bumthang | 17th – 20th Oct 2018 | 29th – 31st Oct 2019 |
| 14. | Thangbi Mani | Tangbi Lhakhang, Choekor, Bumthang | 23rd – 25th Sep 2018 | 4th – 6th Oct 2019 |
| 15. | Jhomolhari Mountain Festival | Jhomolhari | 4th – 5th Oct 2018 | 14th – 15th Oct 2019 |
| 16. | Thimphu Tshechu | Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu | 19th – 21st Sep 2018 | 30th – 2nd Oct 2019 |
| 17. | Tamshing Phala Chhoepa | Tamshing Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang | 19th – 21st Sep 2018 | 29th – 1st Oct 2019 |
| 18. | Gangtey Tshechu | Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha, Wangduephodrang | 23rd – 24th Sep 2018 | 3rd – 5th Oct 2019 |
| 19. | Wangdue Tshechu | Tencholing Army Ground, Wangduephodrang | 17th – 19th Sep 2018 | 29th – 2nd Oct 2019 |
| 20. | Thimphu Drubchen | Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu | 15th – 15th Sep 2018 | 25th – 29th Sep 2019 |
| 21. | Tour Of The Dragon (bicycle Race) | Bumthang To Thimphu | 2nd – 2nd Sep 2018 | 2nd – 2nd Sep 2019 |
| 22. | Matsutake Mushroom Festival | Ura, Bumthang | 23rd – 24th Aug 2018 | 23rd – 24th Aug 2019 |
| 23. | Mushroom Festival | Genekha, Thimphu | 15th – 16th Aug 2018 | 15th – 16th Aug 2019 |
| 24. | Kurjey Tshechu | Kurjey Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang | 23rd – 23rd Jun 2018 | 3rd – 3rd Jul 2019 |
| 25. | Nimalung Tshechu | Nimalung Dratshang, Chummi, Bumthang | 21st – 23rd Jun 2018 | 1st – 3rd Jul 2019 |
| 26. | Ura Yakchoe | Ura Lhakhang, Bumthang | 26th – 29th Apr 2018 | 7th – 10th May 2019 |
| 27. | Domkhar Tshechu | Domkhar, Chummi, Bumthang | 25th – 27th Mar 2018 | 5th – 7th May 2019 |
| 28. | Rhododendron Festival | Lamperi Botanical Garden, Dochula, Thimphu | 20th – 22nd Apr 2018 | 14th – 16th Apr 2019 |
| 29. | Chhukha Tshechu | Chhukha Dzong, Chhukha | 9th – 11th Apr 2019 | |
| 30. | Paro Tshechu | Rinpung Dzong, Paro | 27th – 31st Mar 2018 | 7th – 11th Apr 2019 |
| 31. | Zhemgang Tshechu | Zhemgang Dzong, Zhemgang | 24th – 27th Mar 2018 | 4th – 7th Apr 2019 |
| 32. | Gasa Tshechu | Gasa Dzong, Gasa | 4th – 6th Mar 2018 | 3rd – 6th Apr 2019 |
| 33. | Talo Tshechu | Talo Gonpa,punakha | 24th – 26th Mar 2018 | 4th – 6th Apr 2019 |
| 34. | Gomphukora | Gom Kora Lhakhang,trashigang | 25th – 26th Mar 2018 | 4th – 6th Apr 2019 |
| 35. | Chhorten Kora | Chorten Kora, Trashiyangtshe | 31st – 16th Apr 2018 | 11th – 26th Apr 2019 |
| 36. | 2nd March THONGDROL | Tharpaling Lhakhang, Chummi, BUMTHANG | 2nd – 2nd Mar 2018 | 12th – 12th Mar 2019 |
| 37. | Punakha Tshechu | Punakha Dzong, Punakha | 25th – 27th Feb 2018 | 7th – 9th Mar 2019 |
| 38. | Punakha Drubchen | Punakha Dzong, Punakha | 21st – 24th Feb 2018 | 4th – 6th Mar 2019 |
| 39. | Bhutan International Marathon | 5th Mar 2018 | 5th Mar 2019 | |
| 40. | Nomad Festival | Nagsephel, Bumthang | 23rd – 24th Feb 2018 | 23rd – 24th Feb 2019 |
| 41. | Takin Festival | Damji, Gasa | 15th – 18th Feb 2018 | 15th – 18th Feb 2019 |
| 42. | Haa summer festival | Town festival Ground, Haa | 14th – 15th Jul 2018 |
