Bhutan Festival Calendar
Tshechus (Festivals) 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 exciting displays of traditional culture.
TENTATIVE FESTIVAL DATES FOR 2023 & 2024
| SN | FESTIVAL | PLACE | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Takin Festival | Damji, GASA | ||
| 2 | Merak Tsechu / Semi Nomad Festival | Gengo, Merak | 7th-8th July | |
| 3 | Bhutan International Marathon | (Annual Event organized by BOC) |
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| 4 | Punakha Drubchen | Punakha Dzong, Punakha | 26-28 February | 16th -18th Feb |
| 5 | Punakha Tshechu | Punakha Dzong, Punakha | 01-03 March | 19th -21st Feb |
| 6 | Tharpaling Thongdrol | Tharpaling Lhakhang, Chumi, Bumthang |
07 March | 24th Feb |
| 7 | Chhorten Kora | Chorten Kora, Trashiyangtshe | 05-20 April | 25th Mar & 8th April |
| 8 | Gomphukora | Gom Kora Lhakhang,Trashigang | 29-31 March | 17th -19th March |
| 9 | Talo Tshechu | Talo Gonpa,Punakha | 29-31 March | 17th -19th March |
| 10 | Gasa Tshechu | Gasa Dzong, Gasa | 29-31 March | 17th -19th March |
| 11 | Zhemgang Tshechu | Zhemgang Dzong, Zhemgang | 29-31 March | 17th -19th March |
| 12 | Paro Tshechu | Rinpung Dzong, Paro | 01-05 April | 20th -24th March |
| 12 | Chhukha Tshechu | Chhukha Dzong, Chhukha | 13-15th Oct | 10th-12th Oct |
| 13 | Rhododendron Festival | Lamperi Botanical Garden, Dochula, Thimphu | 14-16 April | 15th – 17st April |
| 14 | Domkhar Tshechu | Domkhar, Chummi, Bumthang | 30 April-02 May | 18th -20th April |
| 15 | Ura Yakchoe | Ura Lhakhang, Bumthang | 02-06 May | 20th – 24th April |
| 16 | Nimalung Tshechu | Nimalung Dratshang, Chummi, Bumthang | 26-28 June | 14th -16th June |
| 17 | Kurjey Tshechu | Kurjey Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang | 28 June | 16th June |
| 18 | Haa Summer Festival | Town Festival Ground, Haa | 08-09 July | 9th -10th July |
| 18 | Matsutake Mushroom Festival | Genekha, Thimphu | Aug 12-13 | 15th & 16th Aug |
| 19 | Matsutake Festival | Ura, Bumthang | 15-16 August | |
| 20 | Tour Of The Dragon (Bicycle Race) | Bumthang to Thimphu | 02 September | 3rd Sep |
| 21 | Thimphu Drubchen | Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu | 21 September | 8th Sep |
| 22 | Wangdue Tshechu | Tencholing Army Ground, Wangduephodrang | 22-24 September | 11th– 13th Sep |
| 23 | Gangtey Tshechu | Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha, Wangduephodrang | 27-29 September | 16th -18th Sep |
| 24 | Tamshing Phala Chhoepa | Tamshing Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang | 24-26 September | 13th -15th Sep |
| 25 | Thimphu Tshechu | Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu | 24-26 September | 12th -14th Sep |
| 26 | Jambay Lhakhang Drup | Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang |
Oct 20-23 | 17th -21th Oct |
| 27 | Jakar Tshechu | Bumthang | 22-24 October | 10th -12th Oct |
| 28 | Thangbi Mewang | ThangbiLhakhang, Choekor, Bumthang | Sep 18-21 | 17th -19th Sep |
| 29 | Jhomolhari Mountain Festival | Dangochong, Thimphu | 14-15 October | 14th & 15th Oct |
| 30 | Chhukha Tshechu | Chhukha Dzong, Chhukha | 22-24 October | 1st -3rd Nov |
| 31 | Prakhar Duchhoed | Prakar Khakhang, Chumni, Bumthang |
29-31 October | 18th -20th Oct |
| 32 | Dechenphu Tshechu | Dechenphu Lhakhang, Thimphu |
24 October | 3rd Nov |
| 33 | Black Necked Crane Festival | Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha, Wangduephodrang |
11 November | 11th Nov |
| 34 | Mongar Tshechu | Mongar Dzong, Mongar | 19-22 November | 9th -11th Nov |
| 35 | Trashigang Tshechu | Trashigang Dzong, Trashigang |
20-23 November | 9th -11th Nov |
| 36 | Jambay Lhakhang Singye Cham | Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang |
27 November | 15th Nov |
| 37 | Pemagatshel Tshechu | Pemagatshel Dzong, Pemagatshel |
20-23 November | 9th -11th Nov |
| 38 | Nalakhar Tshechu | Ngaa Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang |
27-29 November | 15th -17th Nov |
| 39 | Druk Wangyel Tshechu | Douchula, Thimphu |
13 December | 13th Dec |
| 40 | Trongsa Tshechu | Trongsa Dzong, Trongsa |
20-22 December | 8th – 10th Dec |
| 41 | Lhuentse Tshechu | Lhuentse Dzong, Lhuentse |
20-22 December | 8th – 10th Dec |
| 42 | Nabji Lhakhang Drup | Nabji Lhakhang, Nabji, Trongsa |
26-27 December | 15th-16th Dec |