Comprehensive Guide to Festivals and Celebrations of Bhutan

Every year, the tiny Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan celebrates over 150 festivals. The Thimphu Tshechu, Paro Tshechu, and Jambay Lakhang Drup are among the most popular.

These festivals typically last for a few days and are always scheduled around the 10th day of the lunar calendar, celebrating the birthday of Guru Padmasambhava, an 8th-century Buddhist scholar.

During these celebrations, both monks and locals perform dances in colorful costumes and masks, each with its own symbolic meaning. Some festivals are meant to purify souls and chase away evil spirits.

At many festivals, you can see the revealing of a Thongdroel, a big embroidered painting. These Thongdroels are amazing pieces of Buddhist art and are thought to cleanse the viewer of sin just by looking at them.

Here are the popular and unique festivals celebrated in Bhutan.

Thimphu Tshechu

The Thimphu Tshechu festival is a big event in Bhutan, held in the capital city of Thimphu. It takes place at Tashichho Dzong and lasts for three days. In 2024, the festival will be celebrated from September 15th to 17th, and in 2025, it will be from October 2nd to 4th.

Thimphu Tshechu is one of the most popular festivals in Bhutan, attracting a large number of people, especially since many tourists visit Thimphu.

One of the most sacred performances during the festival is the cham dance. Monks play traditional Tibetan instruments, while others, dressed in elaborate costumes, perform dances with intriguing names such as "Dance of the Lords of Cremation Grounds," "Dance of the Terrifying Deities," and "Dance of the Noblemen and the Ladies." The dancers wear wooden masks representing animals, fearsome deities, and various forms of Guru Rinpoche.

These dances are believed to invoke the deities of Tantric teachings, whose blessings and power help eliminate misfortunes, bringing peace and happiness.

In between the dances, clowns known as atsaras entertain the crowd with jokes and playful antics. Atsaras wear red wooden masks with long noses, mischievous grins, and large phalluses on top, adding a humorous touch to the festival.

Thimphu Tshechu was initiated in 1867 by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay, the 4th Temporal Ruler of Bhutan. In the 1950s, the third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, added lots of Boed Chhams (mask dances performed by monks) to the festival. This made the festival more colorful without taking away from its spiritual meaning.

The festival begins on the 9th day and ends on the 12th day of the eighth Bhutanese month, featuring 24 folk songs and 25 sacred dances. Each day's program usually starts at 9 am.

Originally, Thimphu Tshechu was held inside the courtyard of Trashichhoedzong since its establishment in 1687. However, as the number of attendees grew, the courtyard became too crowded. To accommodate the growing audience, a new stadium named Tendrel Thang, meaning "Auspicious Ground," was constructed in 2007.

Paro Tshechu

The Paro Tshechu is another major festival in Bhutan, held at the Ringpung Dzong in the Paro District. In 2024, it was celebrated from April 2nd to 6th, and in 2025, it will take place from April 8th to 12th, with the Thongdral ceremony on the last day.

This festival happens every spring, from the 11th to the 15th day of the second month of the Bhutanese calendar, usually in late March or April. It's one of the largest and most popular festivals in Bhutan. If you’re fortunate, you might even spot the King at the event.

Paro Tshechu is famous for its lively colors and special costumes. Both monks and regular people wear multi-colored outfits and dance in masks representing different deities.

The festival has been held annually since the 17th century when Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of Bhutan, and Ponpo Rigzin Nyingpo initiated it along with the consecration of Paro Dzong in 1644.

The festival is divided into three parts: pre-festival rituals on the first day, ceremonies inside Paro Dzong on the second day, and the main festivities on the festival ground over the remaining three days. These festivities include dances performed by trained monks and locals in amazing masks and costumes, showcasing Bhutan’s ancient living culture.

One of the highlights of Paro Tshechu is the unfolding of the silk Thangkha on the final day. This Thangkha, known in Bhutan as a "thongdroel," is a large religious picture scroll that covers the facade of an entire building. It is considered one of the most sacred blessings in Bhutan and is displayed for a few hours at daybreak.

Jambay Lhakhang Drup

The Jambay Lhakhang Drup festival is a unique event held at the Jambay Lhakhang Monastery in the Bumthang District of Bhutan. In 2024, it will take place from October 28th to 31st, and in 2025, from November 5th to 8th.

This festival stands out from others due to its distinctive activities, such as naked dancing and fire dancing, alongside the traditional dances and music. The festival celebrates the foundation of Jambay Lhakhang Monastery and honors Guru Rinpoche, the saint who introduced Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan.

One of the most interesting things about this festival is the Tercham or Dance of Treasure, which takes place in the middle of the night. Monks perform this dance naked but wear traditional masks. One not-to-miss experience is the fire ceremony, where the locals joyfully dance under a dazzling structure made of dry grass engulfed in flames.

In addition to the Tercham and fire ceremony, other exciting events include the famous drumbeat dance, the clown dance called Dola Pangtoy Shazam, and the Raksha Mangcham. These colorful performances captivate onlookers, making the festival a must-see for anyone visiting Bhutan during this time.

Jambay Lhakhang Drup is celebrated at one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, paying tribute to Guru Rinpoche and commemorating the establishment of the Jambay Lhakhang temple in the 8th century.

The Jambay Lhakhang temple has an interesting history. It was founded in the 7th century AD by Tibetan King Songsten Gampo, who was destined to build 108 temples known as Thadhul Yangdhul in a day to subdue a demoness. Jambay Lhakhang is one of these temples. Legend also says that Guru Rinpoche visited the site several times and deemed it exceptionally sacred.

Not to mention, the festival offers a rare chance to witness unique events like the naked dance and fire dance, which you won't find in other festivals.

Wangdue Phodrang Tshechu

The Wangdue Phodrang Tshechu festival is a fun event held at the Tencholing Army Ground in the Wangdue Phodrang District of central Bhutan. In 2024, it will take place from September 11th to 13th, and in 2025, from September 30th to October 2nd.

Wangdue Phodrang is renowned for its ornamental speeches and songs known as lozeys. This annual festival was introduced after the completion of the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong (fortress) in 1639.

One of the main attractions of this event is the "Dance of the Ox," a performance that people believe ensures a peaceful afterlife.

The Wangdue Phodrang Tshechu concludes with the unfurling of a gigantic scroll of various paintings known as the Guru Tshengye Thongdrol. This moment is considered highly auspicious as Buddhists believe they receive blessings during this time.

Not to mention, this festival is a wonderful opportunity to experience Bhutanese culture through traditional dances, music, and unique lozeys.

Punakha Drubchen Festival

The Punakha Drubchen is one of the most unique festivals in Bhutan, held at Punakha Dzong. This three-day event is special for its historical significance and vibrant reenactments.

The festival focuses on recreating scenes from the 1656-1657 Tibetan War. During this period, the Bhutanese fought off Tibetan invaders to protect their homeland.

Local Bhutanese military officials, dressed in full traditional military gear complete with swords, reenact the battle scenes. This brings history to life vividly and engagingly, giving visitors a glimpse into Bhutan's past.

The Punakha Drubchen is not just about celebrating a military victory. It’s also a tribute to the brave villagers who, despite being untrained and unprepared, came forward to defend their country. Their courage and sacrifice are honored during this festival.

Today, Bhutan is known as a peaceful country. The Punakha Drubchen serves as a reminder of Bhutan’s journey towards peace and the strong community spirit that helped achieve it.

Haa Summer Festival

The Haa Summer Festival is another unique celebration held in the Haa Valley, located in the southwest of the Paro District. Haa Valley is one of the most beautiful regions in Bhutan, with stunning landscapes of paddy fields and picturesque surroundings.

In 2024, this festival was held from 13th to 14th July. However, the 2025 date is yet to be scheduled.

Unlike many other festivals, the Haa Summer Festival is interactive, encouraging attendees to participate in various activities. You can enjoy yak-riding, which offers a fun and traditional way to explore the valley. Folk dancing is another highlight, where you can join in and learn Bhutanese dance moves. Food tasting is a major attraction, giving you a chance to savor local delicacies.

One of the festival's unique offerings is ara, a traditional Bhutanese alcoholic drink. Ara is made from native barley, rice, maize, millet, or wheat that has been fermented or distilled. Trying this local beverage is a delightful way to experience Bhutanese culture.

Matsutake Mushroom Festival

The Matsutake Mushroom Festival is a popular harvest festival in Bhutan, celebrated in two beautiful locations: the village of Genekha in Thimphu District and the Ura Valley in Bumthang District, often referred to as the "Switzerland of the East."

In 2024, the festival will take place on August 15th and 16th, and in 2025, from August 20th to 21st.

In Genekha, the festival lasts for two days, bringing together locals and visitors to celebrate the matsutake mushroom season. This event aims to raise awareness about the sustainable harvesting of these prized mushrooms and offers a chance to enjoy their organic flavors.

In Ura Valley, the festival extends for three days, providing a more extended opportunity to explore the beautiful surroundings and engage in mushroom-related activities. The Ura Valley is known for its stunning landscapes, making the festival experience even more special.

During the Matsutake Festival, attendees can participate in mushroom-picking excursions in the hills. Experienced locals guide visitors on how to identify and pick matsutake mushrooms, ensuring the harvest is sustainable.

Once the mushrooms are gathered, locals cook a variety of delicious dishes using them. Visitors can taste these culinary delights, which might include mushrooms cooked with chili and local cheese or a simple yet flavorful soup of boiled mushrooms with salt and butter.

Jomolhari Mountain Festival

The Jomolhari Mountain Festival is a celebration held at the base of Mt. Jomolhari, which stands at an impressive 7,326 meters. The festival spans two days, with the dates for 2024 being October 14th and 15th, and for 2025, October 14th and 15th.

This festival is renowned for its magnificent themes and special events, including a snow leopard show aimed at raising awareness about the declining number of snow leopards in Bhutan. It is a rare and special experience to celebrate this festival in the company of semi-nomadic yak herders.

The festival features plenty of singing and dancing. The dances are particularly beautiful, with performers wearing brightly colored costumes, usually in yellow and orange, which symbolize the power of the king.

The Black-necked Crane Festival

The Black-necked Crane Festival is held annually in the beautiful Phobjikha Valley. It is a one-day event that is a blend of culture and crucial conservation efforts.

The festival takes place at the Gangtey Goemba, an impressive Nyingmapa monastery that overlooks the Phobjikha Valley. It’s one of Bhutan’s oldest and largest monasteries, giving the event a truly majestic backdrop.

For 2024, this festival is scheduled for November 11, and for 2025, the festival is on the same date.

Every autumn, black-necked cranes make an incredible journey from their summer homes on the Tibetan Plateau. They travel hundreds of kilometers, flying over the Himalayas at dizzying heights of more than 6,000 meters. When they arrive in Bhutan, they settle in the valley’s wetlands and paddies, including the picturesque Phobjikha Valley.

To celebrate their arrival and raise awareness about their conservation, the locals host this lively festival.

The highlight of the festival is the traditional dance performances. Local people wear fancy costumes and masks to imitate the black-necked cranes. These dances are not just entertaining, they’re a way to show respect for these magnificent birds and to highlight the need for their protection.

Throughout the day, you’ll hear folk songs and music that celebrate the black-necked cranes and their place in Bhutanese culture. The local musicians get into the spirit, making it a lively and immersive experience.

There’s also a special crane-themed dance that adds a unique touch to the festival. Watching people dance in crane costumes is both fun and symbolic, reinforcing the festival’s focus on crane conservation.

Moreover, school children perform skits and songs related to environmental conservation. It’s a great way for them to share their knowledge and for visitors to learn more about why protecting the cranes and their habitat is so important.

Bhutan Bird Festival

Held annually in Tingtibi, Zhemgang district, this Bird Festival is a paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers alike.

Tingtibi is located in the Zhemgang district, about a six-hour drive from Thimphu. It’s known as the eco-tourism capital of Bhutan and is a hotspot for birding. For 2024, the Bhutan Bird Festival is scheduled from November 13th to 15th.

Tingtibi is home to over 500 bird species, making it a prime spot for birdwatching. You’ll have the chance to spot some remarkable birds like the Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Satyr Tragopan, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Spotted Elachura, Blue-capped Rock Thrush, Emerald Cuckoo, Nuthatch, and the critically endangered White-bellied Heron.

The festival is a three-day event that attracts birders from all over the globe. It’s not just about birdwatching, though. The festival also offers a range of activities and experiences.

There will be performances by local bands, dancers, and singers. These shows feature traditional Bhutanese music and dance, giving you a taste of the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Food stalls are set up where you can sample delicious Bhutanese dishes. Try local favorites like Kharang (maize grits), smoked fish, bamboo shoots, pickles, fruits, cereals, and tongba, a traditional alcoholic beverage made from wheat and served in bamboo containers.

Druk Wangyel Tshechu

Druk Wangyel Tshechu festival held on December 13th each year, is a unique and moving tribute to Bhutanese bravery and culture.

This festival is a tribute to the bravery of the Bhutanese armed forces. It marks the victory of the Bhutanese army in 2003 and pays respect to His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King of Bhutan.

Unlike other Bhutanese festivals, the Druk Wangyel Tshechu features performances by the Royal Bhutan Army. Soldiers, after training in traditional dances, perform folk and mask dances, adding a special touch to the event.

You’ll see colorful costumes, lively dances, and traditional Bhutanese music. The festival blends vibrant performances with the deep cultural and spiritual traditions of Bhutan.

Punakha Tshechu

Punakha Tshechu is a celebration of Bhutanese identity, spirituality, and community. In 2024, the festival took place from February 19th to 21st, and in 2025, it will be held from March 9th to 11th.

The festival is celebrated in the courtyard of Punakha Dzong, a majestic fortress located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. It honors Guru Rinpoche, a revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism known as the tantric Buddhist Vajra master. Guru Rinpoche is celebrated for his teachings and is considered the patron saint of Bhutan.

The festival has been a key event for centuries, playing a vital role in preserving and showcasing Bhutanese cultural heritage.

One of the highlights is the colorful masked dances. These dances, performed by monks and local people, tell stories from Buddhist legends and history. The costumes and masks are unique and vibrant.

The festival includes the Serda, a special reenactment of a historical battle. This procession adds a unique and dramatic touch to the celebrations.

On the last day of the festival, a huge silk painting called Thongdrol is displayed. It shows Guru Rinpoche and is a very important part of the festival, as people come to see and honor it.

This festival is a great chance to experience Bhutanese traditions. You can enjoy traditional music, art, and local food.

Rhododendron Festival

The Rhododendron Festival is a celebration of nature and culture. In 2024, it took place on April 12th and 13th, and in 2025, it will be celebrated from April 22nd to 24th.

The festival is held at the Royal Botanical Park in Lamperi. This two-day event marks the start of spring and celebrates the beautiful rhododendron flowers that bloom in the park. Bhutan is home to 46 species of rhododendrons, and the Royal Botanical Park features about 29 of them. The festival highlights these stunning flowers and aims to celebrate Bhutan’s rich plant life, culture, and delicious food.

During this event, locals dress in their finest traditional clothing–men wear the gho, a knee-length robe, and women wear the kira, an elegant wrap-around dress. Families gather to share meals, exchange blessings, and participate in traditional rituals passed down through generations.

 Moreover, local communities and schoolchildren perform traditional dances and cultural activities. These performances add a lively and festive atmosphere to the event.

Visitors can browse stalls selling Bhutanese textiles, souvenirs, and other local crafts. There are food stalls featuring a variety of dishes, including special rhododendron-themed foods and drinks.

Gomphu Kora

The Gomphu Kora Festival is a lovely celebration held in eastern Bhutan. In 2024, it took place from March 17th to 19th, and in 2025, the festival will be celebrated from March 5th to 7th.

Gomphu Kora is located in the heart of Bhutan’s agrarian region. The name "Gomphu" means "Meditation Cave," and "Kora" means "Circumambulation" in Chokoey, a classical script. This name comes from a sacred cave next to a temple, which was built to honor the site. The story of Gomphu Kora dates back to the 8th century AD.

According to legend, an evil spirit named Myongkhapa fled from Tibet, where Guru Padmasambhava (a key figure in Tibetan Buddhism) was teaching. Myongkhapa hid inside a rock at Gomphu Kora. Guru Padmasambhava meditated for three days inside the cave and eventually defeated the spirit.

Every year, people from eastern Bhutan gather in the narrow valley around Gomphu Kora. They dress in their finest traditional clothing to join in the festivities and worship. The festival is a time for people to reconnect with their cultural and spiritual heritage.

The festival features processions and various religious rituals performed at the Gomphu Kora temple. These rituals are deeply rooted in the local traditions and are a key part of the celebration.

Visitors come to the Gomphu Kora temple, which was renovated and expanded in the 15th and 16th centuries. The temple is an important spiritual site and a focal point for the festival’s activities.

Chorten Kora

The Chorten Kora Festival is a major event in eastern Bhutan. In 2024, it was celebrated from March 25th to April 8th, and in 2025, it will be held on March 14th and 29th.

The festival takes place at Chorten Kora, a Buddhist monument built by Lama Ngawang Loday in 1740. The stupa is said to be a replica of the Boudhanath Stupa in Nepal and was consecrated by the 13th chief Abbot of Bhutan, Je Sherub Wangchuk. Chorten Kora is an important historical and religious site, built on the spot where a demon was subdued.

 The central activity of the festival is the circumambulation (walking around) of the Chorten Kora. This ritual is an important part of the celebration, allowing participants to show their devotion and engage in spiritual practice.

The festival features mask dances that depict stories from Buddhist mythology. These performances are colorful and showcase traditional Bhutanese culture.

You can admire the rich textiles and brocades worn by the locals during the festival.

The festival includes two key rituals: Dakpa Kora and Drukpa Kora.

Dakpa Kora: Held on the 15th day of the 3rd month (corresponding to February 28th), this ritual involves people from Arunachal Pradesh, known as Dakpas, who visit Chorten Kora to circumambulate the stupa.

Drukpa Kora: This is held on the 30th day (March 15th), during which Bhutanese perform the circumambulation.

According to legend, a young girl from Tawang believed to have been a Khando (Dakini), agreed to be buried alive inside the Chorten as part of a spiritual practice. This story adds a mystical dimension to the festival and explains the significance of the Dakpa Kora ritual.

Ura Yakchoe

The Ura Yakchoe Festival is a special event that mixes deep religious meaning with lively cultural celebrations. This event is held in the lovely village of Ura in central Bhutan. In 2024, it was celebrated from April 20th to 24th, and in 2025, it will take place from May 9th to 13th.

According to local legends, the Ura community once prayed to Guru Padmasambhava to save them from an outbreak of leprosy. The Guru responded by magically sending a charmed statue of the Buddhist deity Vajrapani. When the statue reached Gadan, a nine-headed snake (puguyungdhogo) slithered out of the valley, taking the disease with it. Vajrapani's blessings cured leprosy, and the Yakchoe festival is a celebration of this incredible miracle.

The festival formally begins on the 12th of the third Bhutanese month with a grand procession from Gadan to Ura. The Vajrapani relic and the Gadan Lam are received by Ura’s priests in a long, scenic procession that passes through beautiful landscapes, chortens (stupas), and mani walls (prayer walls).

Upon arrival in Ura, gomchens (lay monks) perform dance tests and a religious ceremony dedicated to Vajrapani. The ceremony starts with a ritual of exorcism and continues for several days, with rituals conducted in the early mornings and late evenings.

Throughout the festival, the daytime is filled with various masked religious dances and folk dances. These performances are vibrant and showcase the rich cultural traditions of the region.

Thangbi Mani

Thangbi Mani is a culturally rich event held at Thangbi Lhakhang in Bhutan. This festival starts on the 14th day and concludes on the 16th day of the 8th Bhutanese month. In 2024, it will take place from September 18th to 19th, and in 2025, it will be celebrated on October 8th.

Thangbi Lhakhang, located at an elevation of 2,730 meters, was founded in 1470 by Shamar Rinpoche of the Kagyupa religious school. This historically significant temple is managed by lay monks known as Gomchens, who are responsible for all the rituals. The festival is organized by the people of the three villages of Bumthang, Thangbi, and Goling.

The Gomchens of the monastery perform rituals that are central to the festival. These rituals are deeply rooted in Bhutanese religious traditions and are meant to bless the participants and onlookers.

Furthermore, young boys and girls wear masks of demons and animals to perform mesmerizing dances. These dances are believed to have hidden powers to bless onlookers with unending fortune. The colorful and hypnotizing performances are a major attraction of the festival.

A special feature of the festival is the magical flame. It is a local belief that those who manage to jump over the flame three times will be protected from any misfortune for at least one year.

Prakhar Duchhoed

The Prakhar Duchhoed festival is a unique celebration that offers a glimpse into the rich cultural and religious heritage of Bhutan. This event is held at Prakhar Lhakhang in the Chumi Valley of Bumthang, Bhutan. In 2024, it will be celebrated from October 18th to 20th, and in 2025, it will take place from November 6th to 8th.

Prakhar Lhakhang is the main temple of the village, built in the 16th century. It is about a half-hour drive from Chamkhar town and a 10-minute walk from the road.

According to local legend, monkeys helped in building the temple, working at night while humans worked during the day. This led to the name "Prakhar," meaning "White Monkey."

The festival is celebrated to honor Lama Thukse Dawa, one of the sons of the greatest Buddhist masters born in Bhutan. The festival lasts for three days, from the 16th to the 18th of the ninth lunar month in the Bhutanese calendar.

Several kinds of mask dances are performed during the festival. These dances showcase the rich cultural heritage of Bhutan.

Trashigang Tshechu

The Trashigang Tshechu is one of the biggest and most distinctive festivals in eastern Bhutan. In 2024, it will be held from November 9th to 11th, and in 2025, it will take place from November 29th to December 1st.

The festival is held at Trashigang Dzong, a fortress built in the 16th century, located in the far east corner of Bhutan at an altitude of around 1,100 meters (3,610 feet) on the banks of the Gamri Chhu River. Trashigang used to be a central hub for trade with Tibet and is now an important junction on the east-west highway, connecting to Samdrup Jongkhar and India.

The festival is attended by various communities, including the Brokpas, semi-nomadic people from the valleys of Merak and Sakteng, as well as the Khengpa community and people from Samdrup Jongkhar, Pema Gatshel, and Trashiyangtse.

Preparations for the Tshechu begin two days before the festival. On the 7th day of the Bhutanese month, monks perform ceremonial ablutions. Rehearsals are held on the 9th day, ensuring everything is ready for the main events.

On the 10th day of the festival, a large Thongdroe of Neten Chudrug (Sixteen Arhats) is unfurled, accompanied by mask dances.

On the final day, the old Thongdroel of Guru Tshengyed (eighth manifestation of Guru Rinpoche) is displayed. The unfurling is accompanied by the performance of Guru Tshengyed Chhams.

Throughout the festival, there are various mask dances and cultural performances. These dances are unique and showcase Bhutanese culture and religious traditions.

Mongar Tshechu

The Mongar Tshechu is an annual festival held over three days. In 2024, it will take place from November 9th to 11th, and in 2025, it will be celebrated from November 28th to 30th.

The festival is held in Mongar Dzong, located in Mongar district, which was previously known as Zhongar. Mongar is one of the six districts in eastern Bhutan, bordering Bumthang, Lhuntse, Pemagatshel, and Trashigang districts. The region is known for its spectacular landscape, featuring stark cliffs, gorges, and dense conifer forests. Mongar is also famous for its textiles, fabrics, and wood carvings.

The festival draws people from far and wide, including areas like Trashigang, Trashiyangtse, and Lhuentse. It is a major event that brings together various communities to celebrate their cultural heritage.

The Mongar Tshechu includes numerous mask dances. These dances are incredible and showcase Bhutanese religious traditions and folklore. They are a major attraction of the festival.

Jambay Lhakhang Singye Cham

The Jambay Lhakhang Singye Cham is an interesting festival held at one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, Jambay Lhakhang. In 2024, the festival will be on November 15th, and in 2025, it will take place on December 4th.

Jambay Lhakhang, located in Bumthang, was founded by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century AD. The king was destined to build 108 temples, known as Thadhul-Yangdhul, in a single day to subdue a demoness, and Jambay Lhakhang is one of these temples.

The festival serves a dual purpose: it honors Guru Rinpoche, who introduced Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan and commemorates Jambay Lhakhang's establishment.

Various traditional and mask dances are performed during the festival, each with its own significant meaning. These dances are central to the celebrations and showcase Bhutanese cultural heritage.

One of the festival's main highlights is the fire ceremony called 'Mewang.' This ceremony is a spectacular event that leaves the audience in awe.

Another highlight is the religious dance known as 'Tercham.' This dance is deeply spiritual and an important part of the festival.

The festival also features a famous drumbeat dance, a clown dance called Dola Pangtoy Shazam, and Raksha Mangcham, a dance symbolizing life after death.

Nalakhar Tshechu

The Nalakhar Tshechu, also known as the Ngang Lhakhang Tshechu, is a culturally rich festival held annually. In 2024, it will take place from November 15th to 17th, and in 2025, it will be celebrated from December 4th to 6th.

Ngang Lhakhang, sometimes spelled Nalakhar, is a private temple built in the 15th century by Tibetan lama Namkha Samdrup. The two-story structure houses beautiful statues of Guru Rinpoche as Padmakara with his two consorts on the lower level, while the upper level is a gonkhang dedicated to protective deities and houses the masks used in the festival.

The festival is organized by the community from the evening of the 15th day to the 17th day of the 10th Bhutanese month. Central roles are played by the family members from the two main lineages: Samdang Dung (descendants of the 8th Tibetan King Trisong Detsen) and Ngang Lhakhang Choeje (heirs of Lama Namkha Samdrup).

People from all over the village and various parts of Bhutan visit the festival to celebrate and pray for a better harvest, prosperity, and happiness for their villages and the entire country.

Spectators dress in their finest national Bhutanese dress and enjoy special Bhutanese-packed lunches. Popular dishes include Shaakam Paa (dried meat) with rice and Ema Datshi (chili curry with lots of cheese).

The festival features various mask dances and rituals. These dances and rituals are performed using the masks housed in the upper temple of Ngang Lhakhang.