Thimphu Tsechu Festival in Bhutan 2024| Footprint Adventure

History of Thimphu Tsechu Festival

The origin of Thimphu Tsechu Festival in Bhutan has been dated back to the 17th century when Bhutan was a Theocratic state under the rule of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan. However, in 1694 the fourth Druk Desi (secular ruler of Bhutan) Tenzin Rabgye initiated the Thimphu Tsechu Festival to be celebrated as the birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche. The festival was initiated  as a small event, but over time it gained a lot of popularity and is now celebrated as a big public celebration.

Thimphu Tsechu was originally held at the Dechgenpu Lhakhang, a fortified monastery located in the hills of Thimphu. However, as the festival gained popularity, it was then moved to Tashichho Dzong, also known as Thimphu Dzong, is one of the seats of Bhutanese Government. 

Today, the Tashichho Dzong is the main location of Thimphu Tsechu, where all the rituals, religious ceremonies and masked dance celebrations are performed by the monks. 

The Festivities of Thimphu Tsechu

Thimphu Tsechu is a vibrant festival in Bhutan that showcases the best Bhutanese Culture, spirituality and artistry. The festivities of Thimphu Tsechu begin with prayers conducted by the monks before the Tsechu in order to purify the environment and gain blessings of the deities for the successful celebration of the festival.

The major highlight of Thimphu Tsechu is the various sacred masked dances, also known as the “Cham” performed in the Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu. These masked dances are not just performances but also considered as a form of meditation and an offering to their duties. As per the Buddhist Mythology, each dance has a specific religious significance and explains a unique story, often the victory of good over evil.

Cham Dances of Thimphu Tsechu Festival Bhutan

Guru Tshengye (Dance of the Eight Manifestations of Guru Rinpoche)

This dance is one of the most important performances of the Thimphu Tsechu Festival. The dances depict the eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche, each portraying the different aspects of his spiritual journey. 

The dancers dress in colorful costumes and masks, including the various forms of Guru Rinpoche and enact the stages of his life. This symbolizes the power of Guru Rinpoche to conquer evil energy and spread the teachings of Buddhism.

Shana/ Zhana Cham (Dance of the Black Hats)

The Shana Cham Dance is specially performed by the monks wearing large black hats and elaborate robes. This cham dance represents the defeat of evil spirits and the deep purification of the surrounding. The dancers move in a slow, welding ritual knife to symbolically cut through negative energies and obstacles. The Shana Cham is considered a powerful dance that invokes the blessings of the deities.  

Durdag Cham (Dance of the Lords of the Cremation Grounds)

Durdag Cham, is a powerful performance where the dancers replicate like a skeletal figure, representing the lord of the cremation grounds. This dance serves as a reminder of a transient feature of life and the celebration of spiritual freedom that comes from letting go of the unwanted attachments. The dancers, dressed in the unique costumes, move to haunting songs played on traditional instruments. Those music create a mood that is spiritually uplifting.

Raksha Mangcham (Dance of the Judgment of the Dead)

Raksha Mangcham is the most dramatic and visually attractive performance of Thimphu Tsechu. This dance reflects the judgment of souls where the god of death, Shinje, balances the good and bad deeds of the departed souls. This dance is a powerful reminder to value the moral of life and karma. The dancers wear masks representing various animals and gods expressing the spiritual journey after death.

What is the meaning of “Thimphu Tsechu”?

Thimphu Tsechu is a major religious festival celebrated in the capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu. The word “tsechu” refers to the “tenth day” in Dzongkha, the national language of Bhutan. Tsechus refers to the fact that the festival is typically celebrated on the 10th day of a particular month in the Bhutanese lunar calendar. Tsecus are the annual religious events held across the country to honor Guru Rinpoche, the great Buddhist master who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan. Thimphu Tsechu is one of the most important of these festivals, attracting thousands of people from across the country.

When is the Thimphu Tsechu Festival Celebrated in Bhutan?

Thimphu Tsechu is an annual festival held in Bhutan on the tenth day of the eighth month of the Bhutanese lunar calendar. This usually corresponds to late September or early October in the Gregorian calendar.

The exact timing of the Thimphu Tsechu Festival varies each year according to the lunar calendar. However, this year Thimphu Tsechu takes place from 13th September to 15th September, 2024. This time of the year considered one the best times to visit Bhutan, offeres mild temperatures making it ideal for outdoor activities, providing visitors with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the rioch culture of Bhutan.

Significance of the Thimphu Tshechu Festival in Bhutan

The Thimphu Tsechu holds a religious and cultural importance in Bhutan. It is the time when Bhutanese people come together to pay homage to Guru Rinpoche and seek his blessings. This festival is believed to bring spiritual benefit to those who attend the festival and offer them protection from evil and a good year ahead. 

At this time of the year, people organize social gatherings where everyone is dressed in the traditional Bhutanese attires, and celebrate with friends and family. Dancers and Monks perform various cham dances not just for entertainment but also as a part of sacred ritual; that tells the deep stories of Bhutan’s Heritage. Each dance is a powerful acknowledgement to bring peace, prosperity and harmony to the country and its people.

How is the Thimphu Tshechu Festival celebrated?

The Thimphu Tsechu festival usually spans for 3 days, each day featuring different religious dances and rituals.

First Day:

• Festivities begin with sacred prayers and rituals by monks at Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu.
• This day features traditional mask dances like Zhana Cham and Durdag Cham, these dances are performed by the monks of Tashichho Dzong.
• Pilgrims dress themselves in the traditional bhutanese attire– gho and kira, gather in the monastery and witness the cultural performances.

Second Day

• On the second day, the festivities continue with the same rituals by monks. This day, different and more vibrant mask dances like Tungam Cham and Dramsetse Ngacham are performed.
• Dancers dressed as Atsaras and clowns entertain the crowd while performing the rituals.
• This day, people from other parts of Bhutan also join in the celebrations of Thimphu Tsechu.

Third Day:

• On the final day of Tsechu, grand cham dances like Guru Tshengye (Dance of the Eight Manifestations of Guru Rinpoche) are performed at Tashichho Dzong. 
• In the evening, the sacred Thongdrel—a large thangka painting of Guru Rinpoche is unfurled, seeking blessings and peace of the country.
• The festival is concluded with closing prayers and rituals performed by the monks.

Special Delicacies During Thimphu Tsechu Festival

1. Ema Datshi: Ema Datshi is the national dish of Bhutan. Usually made with spicy chillies and cheese, Ema Datshi is a flavourful stew served with red or white rice. This is a staple dish during the festivals like Thimphu and Paro Tsechus.
2. Momo: Momo are dumplings filled with vegetables and meat either fried or steamed. It is a popular snack in Asian countries. Momo is often served as appetizers during Thimphu Tsechu with different dipping sauces.
3. Phaksha Paa: Phaksha Paa is a savory stir-fried pork dish cooked with carrots and radishes. This is served as a heart meal preferred during the festivities.
4. Goep (Tripe): Goep is a traditional Bhutanese dish made with beef, and cooked with spices. It is one of the special delicacies enjoyed by the Bhutanese during Thimphu Tsechu.
5. Kewa Datshi: Kewa Datshi is a comforting bhutanese dish made with potatoes, chillies and cheese. This is a creamy and flavourful dish similar to Ema Datshi and is one of the beloved parts of the festival. 
6. Ara: Ara is a traditional bhutanese alcoholic beverage made with fermented rice, maize or other cereal grain. Ara is a common drink during the festival which is often served warm and is said to provide warmth.

Conclusion 

Thimphu Tsechu is more than just a festival in Bhutan , it is a celebration and reflection of unique cultural and spiritual identity. It captures the spirit of life in Bhutan, where community, culture, and religion are all closely linked. The celebration acts as a symbol of the country's commitment to preserving its customs while welcoming the demands of modernization. 

Further on that, Bhutan also serves as a lifetime experience with its diverse culture and rituals. As you immerse yourself in the cultural insights, and spiritual ambiance of Thimhu Tsechu, you will not only witness the festival but also involve yourself in the living tradition that has shaped Bhutan as a cultural country itself. Join the magical festival of Thimphu Tsechu with Footprint Adventure this year for a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Bhutan. For further details, contact us, here.