Venue: Punakha Dzong (Fortress) grounds
Total Duration: 12 days
Other places: Paro, Thimphu, Wangduephodrang
Entry and Exit: Paro
Held in the massive grounds of the historic Punakha Dzong, Punakha Drubchen is one of Bhutan’s most significant religious events, wherein one is taken back to the 17th century, as a scene from the period is enacted. In the 17th century, Tibetan forces from across the border attacked Bhutan. Bhutanese emerged victorious under the leadership of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It is said that during that period, there were no standing Bhutanese military force. Then emerged the “Pazaps,” the local militiamen from the eight great villages (Tshogchens) of Thimphu, who were victorious. To commemorate the victory, Zhabdrung introduced the Punakha Drubchen. During the Drubchen, the entire battle is re-enacted with local men dressed as “pazaps” emerging and showcasing the victory.
Itineraries
Venue: Tendrelthang grounds inside the historic Thimphu Dzong (Fortress)
Total Duration: 12 days
Other places: Paro, Punakha, Wangduephodrang
Entry and Exit: Paro
Perhaps one of the country’s biggest religious festivals, Thimphu Tsechu has its roots in 1867, when the then fourth Desi, Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay, initiated the Tsechu. However, the dances were performed strictly by monks and were few in numbers. In the 1950s, the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, introduced numerous Boed chhams (mask dances performed by lay monks), adding color and variety to the festival. One of the highlights though is the Thimphu Dromchoe, celebrated three days before the Thimphu Tsechu, the Dromchoe is dedicated to Palden Lhamo, Bhutan’s chief protective deity. Introduced by Kuenga Gyeltshen in 1710, who was recognized as the reincarnation of Jampel Dorji, son of Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyel, legend has it, that the deity Pelden Lhamo appeared before Kuenga Gyeltshen and performed the dances while he was in meditation. Based on these dances, Kuenga Gyaltshen initiated the Dromchoe.
Venue: Trashigang Dzong (Fortress) grounds
Total Duration: 15 days
Other places: Western, Central and Eastern Bhutan
Entry Paro :
Exit: Guwahati, Assam, India.
Held within the confines of Bhutan’s largest district in Trashigang dzong, the three day tsechu is observed during the 7th to 11th days of the tenth month of the Bhutanese calendar (December). The unfurling of the Thongdrol of Neten Chudrug (Sixteen Arhats) on the 10th day is one of the highlights of the tsechu. The Thongdrol of Guru Tshengyed is also displayed on the last day.
Venue: Paro Dzong (Fortress) grounds
Total Duration: 12 days
Other places: Paro, Thimphu, Wangduephodrang
Entry and Exit: Paro
One of the highlights of the Bhutanese calendar year, like other trips, it could be integrated into a classical cultural tour. The three to four day festival sees hundreds of people from nearby districts dressed in their finest attire to witness the festival. It is a photographer’s delicacy and for those who are interested in traditional Bhutanese attires. Mask dances performed by the monks convey several religious meanings, the core one being the triumph of the good over evil.
Venue: Gomphu Kora (Fortress) grounds
Total Duration: 12 days
Other places: Western, Central and Eastern Bhutan.
Entry: Paro
Exit: Guwahati
Gomkora Tsechu, is one of the most celebrated festivals in Eastern Bhutan, with the Dakpa tribe from Tawang, the bordering Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, participating in the festive.
Traditionally, the festival served as an occasion for the people to choose their spouse. While this practice has dwindled today, it is still alive, with young people finding their partners during the evenings as people circumambulation the lhakhang.
Gomkora derives its name from “Gomphu Kora” – “Gom” meaning meditation; “Phu” cave and “Kora” circumambulation. Legend has it that Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava) meditated in the cave for three months during which time he subdued the demon, Mongkhapa, locally known as Sewang Nagpo, who fled Tibet and had hidden in a rock at Gomkora.
Venue: Chorten Kora
Total Duration: 12 days
Other places: Western, Central and Eastern Bhutan.
Entry: Paro
Exit: Guwahati
A festival where circumambulation is the essence, the Chorten Kora Tsechu honors, the sacrifice of a pious Dakini princess from neighboring Arunachal Pradesh in India, who entombed herself alive when the chorten was constructed, as the Yeshe Semba, to meditate on behalf of all beings.
There are two major circumambulation events. The first is Dakpa Kora (circumambulation of the Chorten by the Dakpas, people from Tawang in neighboring Arunachal Pradesh) held on the 15th day of the first lunar month, and a Drukpa Kora (circumambulation of the Chorten by the Bhutanese) festival held at the end of the first lunar month which celebrates the stupa.