DECHENLING TSHECHU

DECHENLING TSHECHU

This festival is held in the lhakhang of Dechenling gewog under Pemagatshel Dzongkhag. Mask dances, along with different varieties of cultural items, make up the main highlights and entertainment of the festival. There is another Dechenling Tshechu taking place in Decemeber, so if you miss this one, it’s still possible to attend it later in the year.
BUMTHANG TSECHU

BUMTHANG TSECHU

Kurjey Tsechu is celebrated in the popular Kurjey Lakhang in Bumthang. People of Jakar and Kurjey villages attend the Tshechu to pay obeisance to Guru Rinpoche who brought Buddhism to Bhutan. It is a one-day festival and the chams/dances include the Guru Tshengye and Shinjay cham performed by the monks of Kurjey Lhakhang. It is then closed with unfurling of a giant Buddha/Guru Thangka painting known as thongdrel. The festival is fully supported and funded by the government of Bhutan. 
CHHA FESTIVAL

CHHA FESTIVAL

Chha is celebrated every year by the people of Phagidoong, Tagmochhu, Kamdhar, Kusumphel, Khaashaling and Takila for four days. Chha is an offering made to the local deities and originated from the bonism religion. During the festival, people from the six villages gather to make offerings to local deities such as Wokhor Zhelngo, Kharshong Zhelngo, Chhami, Gyem and Lham.
THIMPHU TSHETHU

THIMPHU TSHETHU

The Pelden Lhamoi Drupchen is a festival dedicated to the dominant female protective deity of Bhutan, Pelden Lhamo (Mahakali). The festival was first introduced in Thimphu Dzong in 1710 by Kuenga Gyeltshen, who is recognised as the reincarnation of Jampel Dorji, son of Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyel. According to legend, Pelden Lhamo appeared in Kuenga Gyeltshen’s dream and showed him some tantric teachings through dances. In 1988, the festival was introduced in Trongsa Dzong by His Majesty the 4th King Jigme Singye Wangchuck and the 68th Je Khenpo His Holiness Tenzin Dendup. Different dances are performed during the festival, including a Nangcham (secret performance) that is performed exclusively in the shrine with dancers circumabulating the mandala. Other dances are showcased to the public.