Tshechus (Festivals) 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 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.
Two of the most popular Tshechus in the country are the Paro and Thimphu Tshechus in terms of participation and audience. Besides the locals, many tourists from across the world are attracted to these unique, colorful, and exciting displays of traditional culture.
TENTATIVE FESTIVAL DATES FOR 2023 & 2024
| SN | FESTIVAL | PLACE | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Takin Festival | Damji, GASA | ||
| 2 | Merak Tsechu / Semi Nomad Festival | Gengo, Merak | 7th-8th July | 15th – 16 August |
| 3 | Bhutan International Marathon | (Annual Event organized by BOC) |
4th March | |
| 4 | Punakha Drubchen | Punakha Dzong, Punakha | 16-18 February | 6th – 8th March |
| 5 | Punakha Tshechu | Punakha Dzong, Punakha | 19th -21st Feb | 9th – 11th March |
| 6 | Tharpaling Thongdrol | Tharpaling Lhakhang, Chumi, Bumthang |
24th Feb | 14th March |
| 7 | Chhorten Kora | Chorten Kora, Trashiyangtshe | 25th March – 8th April | 14th – 29th March |
| 8 | Gomphukora | Gom Kora Lhakhang,Trashigang | 17th -19th March | 5th – 7th April |
| 9 | Talo Tshechu | Talo Gonpa,Punakha | 17th -19th March | 5th – 7th April |
| 10 | Gasa Tshechu | Gasa Dzong, Gasa | 17th -19th March | 5th – 7th April |
| 11 | Zhemgang Tshechu | Zhemgang Dzong, Zhemgang | 17th -19th March | 5th – 7th April |
| 12 | Paro Tshechu | Rinpung Dzong, Paro | 21th -25 March | 8th – 12th April |
| 12 | Chhukha Tshechu | Chhukha Dzong, Chhukha | 10th-12th Oct | 29th – 31st Oct |
| 13 | Rhododendron Festival | Lamperi Botanical Garden, Dochula, Thimphu | 13-14 April | 22nd -24th April |
| 14 | Domkhar Tshechu | Domkhar, Chummi, Bumthang | 18th -20th April | 7th – 9th May |
| 15 | Ura Yakchoe | Ura Lhakhang, Bumthang | 20th – 24th April | 9th – 13th May |
| 16 | Nimalung Tshechu | Nimalung Dratshang, Chummi, Bumthang | 14th -16th June | 3rd – 5th July |
| 17 | Kurjey Tshechu | Kurjey Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang | 16th June | 5th July |
| 18 | Haa Summer Festival | Town Festival Ground, Haa | 14th -15th July | 2nd weekend of July |
| 18 | Matsutake Mushroom Festival | Genekha, Thimphu | 15th & 16th Aug | 20th – 21st Aug |
| 19 | Matsutake Festival | Ura, Bumthang | ||
| 20 | Tour Of The Dragon (Bicycle Race) | Bumthang to Thimphu | 02 Sep | 6th September |
| 21 | Thimphu Drubchen | Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu | 9th Sep | 28th September |
| 22 | Wangdue Tshechu | Tencholing Army Ground, Wangdue phodrang | 11th-13th Sep | 30th Sep & 1st – 2nd Oct |
| 23 | Gangtey Tshechu | Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha, Wangdue phodrang | 16th-18th September | 5th – 7th Oct (Thongdral on last day) |
| 24 | Tamshing Phala Chhoepa | Tamshing Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang | 13th-15th Sep | 2nd – 4th October |
| 25 | Thimphu Tshechu | Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu | 13th-15th Sep | 2nd – 4th October |
| 26 | Jambay Lhakhang Drup | Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang |
15th-18th Nov | 5th – 8th Nov |
| 27 | Jakar Tshechu | Bumthang | 10th-12th October | 29th Oct- 1st Nov |
| 28 | Thangbi Mewang | ThangbiLhakhang, Choekor, Bumthang | 18th- 19th Sep | 7th -8th October |
| 29 | Jhomolhari Mountain Festival | Dangochong, Thimphu | 14th -15th Oct | 14th -15th Oct |
| 30 | Chhukha Tshechu | Chhukha Dzong, Chhukha | 10th-12th October | 29th – 31st October |
| 31 | Prakhar Duchhoed | Prakar Khakhang, Chumni, Bumthang |
18th -20th Oct | 6th – 8th Nov |
| 32 | Dechenphu Tshechu | Dechenphu Lhakhang, Thimphu |
3rd Nov | 31st October |
| 33 | Black Necked Crane Festival | Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha, Wangduephodrang |
11th November | 11th Nov |
| 34 | Mongar Tshechu | Mongar Dzong, Mongar | 9th-11th Nov | 28th -30th Nov |
| 35 | Trashigang Tshechu | Trashigang Dzong, Trashigang |
9th-11th Nov | 29th Nov- 1st Dec |
| 36 | Jambay Lhakhang Singye Cham | Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang |
15th November | 4th December |
| 37 | Pemagatshel Tshechu | Pemagatshel Dzong, Pemagatshel |
9th-11th November | 29th Oct-1st Nov (Thongdral on last day) |
| 38 | Nalakhar Tshechu | Ngaa Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang |
15th -17th Nov | 4th – 6th Dec |
| 39 | Druk Wangyel Tshechu | Douchula, Thimphu |
13 December | 13th Dec |
| 40 | Trongsa Tshechu | Trongsa Dzong, Trongsa |
8th-22th December | 27th – 31st Dec (Thongdral on last day) |
| 41 | Lhuentse Tshechu | Lhuentse Dzong, Lhuentse |
8th-10th December | 27th – 31st Dec (Thongdral on last day) |
| 42 | Nabji Lhakhang Drup | Nabji Lhakhang, Nabji, Trongsa |
15th-16th December | 3rd -5th January 2026 |
