In Bhutan, the biggest draw for travelers is the annual religious festivals called Tsechu held in all districts. What appears as a gala fest of mask dances and people in bright attire is actually one of profound religious significance to the Bhutanese. These festivals are enactments of the teachings of Guru Rimpoche or the second Buddha, devised centuries ago so that the laity would understand.
To attend the festival is to be blessed. The timing has also been set ingeniously after the harvest so that people can also celebrate a year of hard work on the farm.
Bhutan Travelers has a wide range of activities specially designed for visitors to enjoy tours, treks and cultural events.
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.
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 eThese events, most of which are performed by monks in colourful and elaborate costumes bring blessings to the onlookers, as well as instructing them about the Buddhist Dharma. Festivals can be addeded with the cultural tours
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