What a tshechu is, what the masked dances mean, how festival dates are set and how to be a respectful guest in the dzong courtyard.
A tshechu — literally “tenth day” — is a religious festival held in honour of Guru Rinpoche. Each district has its own, usually lasting three to five days, and most follow a similar pattern.
What you will see
Monks and laymen perform cham, masked dances that retell stories from Buddhist teachings, drive away negative forces or offer blessings. The costumes are made from silk brocade and the masks are carved and painted by hand. Between dances, the atsara — clowns in red masks — joke with the crowd and bring welcome relief.
Many festivals conclude at dawn on the last day with the unfurling of a thongdrel, an enormous embroidered thangka. Seeing it is said to cleanse the viewer of sins.
How dates are set
Festival dates follow the Bhutanese lunar calendar, so they move from year to year in the Western calendar. If a festival matters to your plans, tell us early: accommodation fills fast, and we confirm dates against official announcements for your year.
Being a good guest
- Dress smartly, as locals do — national dress is welcome if you would like to try it.
- Do not walk across the dance ground, and keep a respectful distance from performers.
- Ask before photographing people, and never photograph inside temples.
- Arrive early if you want a good view; the courtyard fills up.
Well-known festivals include the Paro Tshechu in spring, the Thimphu Tshechu in autumn and the Jambay Lhakhang Drup in Bumthang. Our festival journeys are built around them.
