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 BHUTAN FESTIVAL DATES FOR 2020 & 2021
SN | FESTIVAL | PLACE | 2020 | 2021 |
1 | Takin Festival | Damji, GASA |
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2 | Nomad Festival | Nagsephel, BUMTHANG |
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3 | Bhutan International Marathon | (Annual Event organized by BOC) |
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4 | Punakha Drubchen | Punakha Dzong, PUNAKHA | 2nd -4th March | Feb 19-21 |
5 | Punakha Tshechu | Punakha Dzong, PUNAKHA | 5th -7th March | Feb 22-24 |
6 | Tharpaling Thongdrol | Tharpaling Lhakhang, Chummi, BUMTHANG | 9th March | Feb 27 |
7 | Chhorten Kora | Chorten Kora, TRASHIYANGTSHE | 8th April & 22nd April | Mar 28- Apr 11 |
8 | Gomphukora | Gom Kora Lhakhang,TRASHIGANG | 1st -3rd April | Mar 21-23 |
9 | Talo Tshechu | Talo Gonpa,PUNAKHA | 1st -3rd April | Mar 21-23 |
10 | Gasa Tshechu | Gasa Dzong, GASA | 1st -3rd April | Mar 21-23 |
11 | Zhemgang Tshechu | Zhemgang Dzong, ZHEMGANG | 1st -3rd April | Mar 21-23 |
12 | Paro Tshechu | Rinpung Dzong, PARO | 4th -8th April (Thongdrel on last day) | Mar 21-23 |
12 | Chhukha Tshechu | Chhukha Dzong, Chhukha | 24th – 26th Oct | Oct 13-15 |
13 | Rhododendron Festival | Lamperi Botanical Garden, Dochula, THIMPHU | 17th-19th Apr | Apr 16-18 |
14 | Domkhar Tshechu | Domkhar, Chummi, BUMTHANG | 3rd -5th May | Apr 22-24 |
15 | Ura Yakchoe | Ura Lhakhang, BUMTHANG | 4th – 8th May | Apr 25-27 |
16 | Nimalung Tshechu | Nimalung Dratshang, Chummi, BUMTHANG | 30th June– 1st July | Jun 18-20 |
17 | Kurjey Tshechu | Kurjey Lhakhang, Choekhor, BUMTHANG | 30th June | Jun 20 |
18 | Haa Summer Festival | Town Festival Ground, HAA | 11th-12th Jul | Jul 10-11 |
18 | Mushroom Festival | Genekha, Thimphu | 15th-16th Aug | Aug 15-16 |
19 | Matsutake Festival | Ura, BUMTHANG |
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20 | Tour Of The Dragon (Bicycle Race) | Bumthang to Thimphu | 5th Sept | Sep 04 |
21 | Thimphu Drubchen | Tashi Chhodzong, THIMPHU | 22nd Sept | Sep 12 |
22 | Wangdue Tshechu | Tencholing Army Ground, WANGDUEPHODRANG | 24th – 26th Sept | Sep 14-16 |
23 | Gangtey Tshechu | Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha, WANGDUEPHODRANG | 28th Sept – 1st Oct (Thongdrel on last day) | Sep 18-20 |
24 | Tamshing Phala Chhoepa | Tamshing Lhakhang, Choekhor, BUMTHANG | 26th – 28th Sept | Sep 16-18 |
25 | Thimphu Tshechu | Tashi Chhodzong, THIMPHU | 26th – 28th Sept | Sep 16-20 |
26 | Jambay Lhakhang | Bumthang | 31st -3rd Nov | Oct 20-22 |
27 | Jakar Tshechu | Bumthang | 23rd -27th Oct | Oct 13-15 |
28 | Thangbi Mani | Tangbi Lhakhang, Choekor, Bumthang | 30th Sept– 2nd Oct | Sep 18-21 |
29 | Jhomolhari Mountain Festival | Dangochong, Thimphu | 14th-15th Oct | Oct 14-15 |
30 | Chhukha Tshechu | Chhukha Dzong, Chhukha | 24th – 26th Oct | Oct 13-15 |
31 | Prakhar Duchhoed | Prakar Khakhang, Chumni, Bumthang | 1st – 3rd Nov | Oct 21-23 |
32 | Dechenphu Tshechu | Dechenphu Lhakhang, Thimphu | 26th Oct | Oct 15 |
33 | Black Necked Crane Festival | Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha, Wangduephodrang | 11th Nov | Nov 11 |
34 | Mongar Tshechu | Mongar Dzong, Mongar | 22th – 24th Nov | Nov 12-14 |
35 | Trashigang Tshechu | Trashigang Dzong, Trashigang | 22nd -24th Nov | Nov 12-14 |
36 | Jambay Lhakhang Singye Cham | Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang | 30th Nov | Nov 19 |
37 | Pemagatshel Tshechu | Pemagatshel Dzong, Pemagatshel | 21st – 24th Nov (Thongdrel on last day | Nov 12-14 |
38 | Nalakhar Tshechu | Ngaa Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang | 30th Nov – 2nd Dec | Nov 19-21 |
39 | Druk Wangyel Tshechu | Douchula , Thimphu | 13th Dec | Dec 13 |
40 | Trongsa Tshechu | Trongsa Dzong, Trongsa | 23th – 25th Dec (Thongdrel on last day) | Dec 11-13 |
41 | Lhuentse Tshechu | Lhuentse Dzong, Lhuentse | 23st – 25th Dec (Thongdrel on last day) | Dec 11-13 |
42 | Nabji Lhakhang Drup | Nabji Lhakhang, Nabji, Trongsa | 29th –31st Dec | Dec 18-20 |