Tshechu of Bhutan: 7 Things to Know about the Most Important Bhutan Festival

Bhutan is a devoutly Buddhist country renowned for having the largest number of religious festivals in a single year. In Bhutan, festivals are known as “Tshechu”, which literally means “day ten.” Festivals are held in the Dzongkhags and monasteries on the tenth day of the month in the Bhutanese Buddhist calendar, which is based on the Tibetan lunisolar calendar.

Bhutan Tshechu festivals are often held as large social gatherings that help form a unique bond between the people of the remote villages of the country. If you are interested in the unique features of Bhutanese life, let's check the top things to know and catch the opportunity to immerse yourself in Bhutan's local culture.

1. Tshechu is the Most Important Religious Festival in Bhutan

The annual Tshechus are a central part of Bhutan’s culture. Rich in symbolism, they form a focal point for community life and are a time for prayer, pilgrimage, and social gatherings. Each event is rooted in the teachings of Buddhism and preserves history while educating the younger generation about their cultural heritage.

Despite their deep spirituality and cultural traditions, Tshechus in Bhutan are exciting events with dances, food, and music. Different performances are scheduled on each day of the Tshechu, ending with the unveiling of a giant religious painting called a Thongdrel. They are a highlight of the year in each region of Bhutan and a must-visit event for local people as well as tourists.

Bhutan is the largest number of religious festivals in a single year

2. Every District of Bhutan Has Its Own Tshechu

Tshechu is not a single festival. In Bhutan, there are nearly 20 Tshechus in total, the most famous of which are the Thimphu Tshechu, Paro Tshecu, and Punakha Tshechu.

Thimphu Tshechu (2nd - 4th October, 2025)

The largest of all the festivals in Bhutan, the Thimphu Tshechu, is held in the capital annually. The Tshechu is held in the Tashichho Dzong and is witnessed by thousands of locals and tourists alike. Held on the 10th day of the 8th lunar month on the Bhutanese calendar, the Thimphu Tshechu is traditionally preceded by several days and nights of prayers by the monks and lamas of the monastery, as well as rituals to invoke the blessings of the gods. The highlights of the Thimphu Tshechu are the mask dances known as the Guru Tshengye (Eight Manifestations of Guru Rinpoche) and the Shaw Shachi (Dance of the Stags).

In 2025, the Thimpu Tshechu will take place from the 2nd to the 4th of October.

The Traditional Performance in Thimphu Tshechu

Paro Tshechu (8th - 12th April, 2025)

Possibly one of the most symbolic and spectacular festivals in Bhutan, the Paro Tshechu is the most popular festival in the Bhutanese religious calendar. Having gained something of a cult status with the people of the kingdom, the Paro Tshechu Festival is preceded by a full day and night of constant rituals and prayers, and on the second day, the traditional ceremonies take place. The ceremonies and religious rituals take place inside the famous Rinpung Dzong, and on the third day onwards, the celebrations, dances, and general festivities take place. Lasting for a full five days, the celebrations bring devotees into the festival dressed in the finest clothes they own to seek divine blessings.

The Paro Tshechu takes place from the 12th to the 16th of the second lunar month of the Bhutanese calendar. In 2025, it will fall from the 8th to the 12th of April 2025.

Paro Tshechu is held at Paro Rinpung Dzong.

Punakha Tshechu (9th - 11th March, 2025)

Held right after the popular Punakha Drubchen, the Punakha Tshechu is a hugely popular festival with both locals and tourists alike. It takes place at the beautiful Punakha Dzong, which is the site of the unfurling of one of the most intricate Thongdroels in Bhutan. Depicting the Guru Rinpoche in the seated lotus position normally accredited to Buddha, the unfurling of this ancient and artistic brocade is the highlight of the festival. Thousands of onlookers crowd the area of the unveiling platform in the hope of a good view of the Thongdroel, and many devout Buddhists in Bhutan believe the mere sight of the Thongdroel will cleanse him of the sins of the year.

The dates of the Punakha Tshechu are from the 10th to 12th day of the first lunar month, which falls on the 9th to 11th of March in 2025.

Punakha Drubchen Festival

3. The Tshechu in Bhutan Follows the Tibetan Calendar

In Bhutan, Tshechu literally means ‘day ten’, which is when the festivals are held. They follow the Tibetan calendar and are held in each district on the 10th day of the month. The Tibetan calendar is lunisolar, with months that begin and end with the new moon.

This calendar is out of sync with the standard Western calendar. A 13th month is added every two or three years to keep it aligned with the season. This means that the dates of Tshechu shift each year. Before planning your Bhutan festival tour, check in advance to make sure you will be there at the right time to attend the Tshechu you want.

Tashichho Dzong is a must-visit site in Thimphu.

4. The Mask Dance is the Highlight of Tshechu in Bhutan

The traditional mask dance, known as cham dances, are lively costumed dances that are a highlight of Tshechus in Bhutan. They are performed by monks and laymen and act out events from the life of Padmasambhava, known in Bhutan as Guru Rinpoche.

Featuring athletic displays of jumps and leaps that lift the dancers high into the air, the dances follow very precise movements interspersed with singing and light dances by the women during breaks for changing costumes and scenery. They assist in cultivating faith and understanding of the Guru’s deeds.

Pacham Dance

5. The Thongdrel is A Sacred Display of Tangka during Tshechu in Bhutan

The Thongdroel is the Bhutanese version of the Tibetan Thangka and is a large religious painting on cloth that is often unfurled at religious ceremonies and festivals. Thongdroels typically depict an image of the Guru Rinpoche in a seated position, surrounded by holy beings and deities from Tibetan Buddhism.

Composed in a typical landscape format, the cloths used are made from several layers of silk, with the images on the cloth being made up of pieces of appliqué sewn onto the main background. Thongdroels are only displayed once a year at the Tshechu for the local goemba (monastery) and are stored until the following year in dry and dark rooms, rolled up and covered with yellow cloth for protection.

The Thongdroel is the Bhutanese version of the Tibetan Thangka

6. The ‘Red-face’ Clown Plays an Important Role in a Bhutan Tshechu Ceremony

Atsaras are another popular aspect of Bhutan Tshechu Festivals and are often seen during the breaks in between the major performances. Atsara is a clown that is believed to guarantee a good atmosphere at Tshechus and can be found in almost every religious festival in Bhutan, as well as a few non-religious ones.

Atsara wears a red mask with a laughing mouth and comical eyes. The mask is a symbol of the happy nature of Atsara, who makes jokes with the dancers and singers, some of which can be quite crude. Atsara often appears on the stage behind a yellow curtain patterned in red and green, a typical pattern in Bhutan.

Atsara is a clown in traditional Bhutan Mask Dances

7. A Bhutan Tshechu Festival Tour Should Be Booked at Least 3 to 6 Months in Advance

Tshechus are one of the best time to visit Bhutan, as you can get an amazing insight into this unique religious culture. Pre-planning is the key to booking a tour on the dates that you require, as well as getting into the actual Tshechus themselves. Booking well in advance of the actual dates of the festivals is advisable, and the earlier the booking, the better.

To ensure a seamless travel, we recommend booking 3-6 months in advance. Accommodations and tour spots are often limited, particularly away from the larger cities. Advance booking will not only secure the dates you want but is also a good way to find the best prices.

Dochula Pass in winter

More Insider Tips

One of the most popular things to do when attending a Tshechu in Bhutan is to have your guide find you some traditional local clothes to wear. Everyone attending the Tshechu will be dressed the same way, and it is a good way to immerse yourself in the Tshechu and enjoy it in the local style.

Tshechu are religious ceremonies, so it is important that, during the rituals and prayers, you remain quiet and do not make loud noises. Set your phone to vibrate, and stay mindful of being quiet. The same consideration should always be shown when inside the monasteries and temples in Bhutan.

Outdoor picnics are often a thing at Tshechus in Bhutan, and you should not be surprised if people you are passing invite you to come and eat with them. The people of Bhutan are friendly and welcoming, and it is actually ok to join someone’s picnic and share your food with them while sampling their local dishes.

While hotels are the norm for most Bhutan tours, a homestay at a local farmhouse near the site of the Tshechu offers an even better way to experience the local culture. You may not have all the facilities of your luxurious hotel, but the people show unparalleled hospitality, and you could even attend the Tshechu as part of a family.

Bhutanese cuisine

Conclusion

Tshechus in Bhutan are the most important of all the religious festivals and ceremonies throughout the year. They are all celebrated in honor of Padmasambhava, known here as Guru Rinpoche, the Buddhist master and sage who brought Buddhism to Bhutan on the back of a flying tigress that was his former consort. Tshechus are the best way to learn more about the unique Bhutanese culture and discover the true nature of Buddhism in Bhutan.

If you want to experience the unique culture of the Tshechu festival during your trip in Bhutan, feel free to contact us and share your travel ideas with us. We will help you arrange the best trip for a lifetime memory with the vibrant Bhutanese festival.