A Guide to Bhutanese Festivals March 13th, 2020 • by Matt Holmes The chance to attend a Bhutanese festival (tshechu) is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity few outside the kingdom have. From the moment you enter the dzong courtyard, the energy is palpable as you find your place among locals dressed in their finest ghos and kiras, attending for both the religious merit and to join in the joyful celebration—as we are! The timing of festivals is based on the months of the Tibetan lunar calendar. Most are multi-day affairs and celebrate the great deeds of Guru Rinpoche, who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century. Events provide the opportunity for those living in small mountain towns and rural villages to meet up with one another and socialize, join together to exorcise evil spirits, rejoice in a new harvest, receive blessings, and wash away sins. Monks and laypeople perform dances—each one has a special meaning or story behind it meant to teach something. Some are based on events from as far back as the 700s. Our Bhutanese guides are there to explain the significance of every festival element. Aside from mask dances, there are sword dances, dramatic or comedic skits to highlight local initiatives, archery competitions, vendor stalls, and atsaras—jester-like characters who entertain the crowd and mystify evil spirits. Festival Departures for 2023 Eastern Bhutan RevealedMarch 13-25Visit the Gayden Choedpa festival in Ura October 16-28Visit the Goenkar Tsechu festival in Khoma Village Bhutan & Nepal: Himalayan Kingdoms HikingMarch 14-26Visit the Paro Tshechu festival in Paro Bhutan: Hidden Kingdom in the HimalayasSeptember 24-October 1Visit the Terchen Drupchen festival in Paro October 23-30Visit the Tshepami Throngdrel festival in Paro Bhutan: Spirituality & Wellness JourneySeptember 27-October 4Visit the Terchen Drupchen festival in Paro Hiking in the Peaceful KingdomOctober 25-November 5Visit the Prakar Duechoe festival in the Chumney Valley