Festivals in Bhutan
List of Bhutan Festival
Festivals in Bhutan, an annual event that takes place on tenth day of a month of the lunar calendar which is mainly dedicated to Guru Rinpoche. This event takes places in monasteries or dzongs. The festive season is the time where people gather to get blessed and wash away any sins and spend quality time with their friends and families. It mainly showcase mask dances which has special connection to Guru Rinpoche, a saint who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan.
08 Festivals in Bhutan to consider
Thimphu Drubchen and Tshechu: Festival in Bhutan
Schedule of Thimphu Drubchen:12 Sep 2021
Schedule of Thimphu Tshechu:16–20 Sep 2021
Thimphu Festival is one of the biggest festival in Bhutan. It is held in the capital city of Thimphu at Tashichodzong for three days beginning on 10th day of the 8th month of lunar calender. It is considered one of the most beautiful tshechu in western Bhutan where thousands of locals from different district of Bhutan gather as it is believed that one gain merits just by witnessing it and it is also yearly social gathering dressed in their finery and rejoice themselves.
Thimphu Drubchen also popularly known as Thimphu Dromchoe is held in Tashichodzong before Thimphu Tshechu showcasing sacred mask dances dedicated the protective deity of Bhutan, Palden Lhamo.
Thimphu Tshechu is preceded by days and nights of prayers to invoke gods. Mask dances like Guru Tshengye (eight manifestation of Guru Rinpoche), Shaw shachi (Dance of stags) and many more are performed.
Venue: Thimphu
Punakha Drubchen and Tschechu: Festival in Bhutan
Punakha Drubchen is a unique festival which host dramatic recreation of scene from the battle with the Tibetans in the 17th century.
Punakha Tshechu consist of mask dances with other cultural program and the five day event is mainly dedicated to Mahakala.
Schedule of Punakha Drubchen: 19–21 Feb, 2021
Schedule of Punakha Tshechu: 22–24 Feb, 2021
Venue: Punakha
Rhododendron Festival Tour: Festival in Bhutan
Rhododendron Festival Tour marks the spring season with fully bloomed Rhododendrons and out of 46 Rhododendron species in the country recorded so far, 29 species are found during this festival. The festival is held for three days at Lamperi Botanical Park which also has hiking trails, boating and camping activities. Lamperi Rhododendron festival showcases different species of Rhododendrons in Bhutan in full bloom with traditional dances and songs performed by the local communities.
Schedule of Rhododendron Festival: 16–18 April, 2021
Venue: Lamperi Botanical Garden, Dochula
Paro Tshechu: Festival in Bhutan
Paro Tshechu starts from 21st March to 23rd March, 2021. It is one of the most popular events in Bhutan which is held for 5 days. It starts on the 10th day of 2nd Bhutanese lunar month and ends on the 15th day. The tour includes visit to Paro festival, Thimphu and Punakha districts with cultural sightseeing along with a day trek to Tiger’s Nest and of course the Hotstone bath during the last day of the tour.
Schedule of Paro Festival: 21–23 March, 2021
Venue: Paro
Black Necked Crane Festival: Festival in Bhutan
The festival is celebrated to mark importance of preserving the endangered Black Necked Crane, It is celebrated at Gangtey Goenpa in Phobjikha valley which includes cultural songs and dances with Black Necked Crane themes with other mask dances performed by the locals.
Schedule of Black Necked Crane Festival: 11 November, 2021
Venue: Phobjikha
Jambhay Lhakhang Drup: Festival in Bhutan
It is one of the most interesting event held in Bumthang. The festival includes fire ritual which is held in the evening with naked mask dances. It is performed by locals of Bumthang valley.
Schedule of Black Necked Crane Festival: 20–22 October, 2021
Venue: Jambhay Lhakhang, Bumthang
Duration: 5 days
Jomolhari Mountain Festival: Festival in Bhutan
Jomolhari Festival is a two day event celebrated at the base of Mt. Jomolhari. The festival celebrates highlander’s unique culture and also raises awareness of the conservation of snow leopard. This endangered cat is found mostly in this part of the region. The festival also includes cultural shows and sports like dart and horse riding
Schedule of Jomolhari Mountain Festival: 14–15 October, 2021
Venue: Jangkothang
Takin Festival: Festival in Bhutan
Takin Festival is held in Gasa, which is the nothernmost district of the country with just about 3000 habitants. It is an exciting opportunity to be close to this animal during the festival time. Takin festival is held at Trashithang ground in Gasa.
Schedule of Takin Festival: Contact Amedewa Tours And Trek for exact festival date.
Venue: Trashithang, Gasa
Contact Amedewa Tours And Trek for Bhutan Tour assistance.
