Bhutan has various festivals like Bhutanese New Year (Losar), Blessed rainy day and many more festivals of National importance. The centre stage of all festivals is taken over by religious festivals of Bhutan called Tsechus because of the magnitude of celebrations and the importance in terms of social, cultural and religious fervor attached to it. Tsechus are performed at various times in different parts of the country. Tsechus are festivals to extol the great deeds of the Buddhist Saint Padmasambhava popularly known as Guru Rinpoche. It is believed to have taken place on the 10th day of the month which is the meaning of the word Tsechu. Tsechus generally fall or begin on the 10th day of Bhutanese calendar month and are conducted in Dzongs (fortress), Buddhist monasteries and temples. People from all walks of life, far and wide, come to witness the ceremony in throngs and public holidays are declared during Tsechus.
Tsechus are performed for a few days to a week in different places. Certain Tsechus end with display of silk paintings of great saints and lamas called ‘thongdroel’. Festival goers believe that by simply viewing the thongdroel their sins will be cleansed and get huge religious merit out of it.
The grounds where Tsechus are performed are purified and consecrated by lamas and that particular area is demarcated in such a way that general public and the audience is not allowed to enter or trespass across it. The religious dances are performed by lamas or layman in a state of meditation. They transform themselves into the deities they represent on the dance floor and generate a spiritual power and believe to cleanse, purify and bless the spectators.
The festive occasions for Bhutanese are also of meeting friends and relatives. Most people take pride in displaying their finest costumes and expensive jewelries. They bring variety of home cooked food to enjoy outdoor with the family and relatives.
Tsechus are the age old traditions of religious and socio-cultural practice so there are certain dos and don’ts for the guests and first timers to avoid undue social embarrassments. It is wise to get the help of our cultural guide provided.