Festival Date:
14th to 16th November 2019
1st to 3rd November 2020
The ‘Tsechu’ literally means the ’10th day’ of a month and is considered one of the auspicious days of the month. The festivals are called ‘Tshechu’ as one of the three days of festival falls on the 10th day of the particular month. These religious festivals are in honour of Guru Rimpoche Padmasambhava (the Indian Saint who spread Buddhism in the country in 8th century) or a patron deity of the area. Mask dances and various cultural folk dances are performed by the monks and the locals. All mask dances have religious significance and it is believed that one who witnesses the tshechu is profusely blessed.
Tshechus are also an occasion for friends and families to get together and for some it is also an opportunity to show off their best dresses, jewelry and ornaments. So, everybody is dressed in their best.
The Prakar Tshechu or Festival is held in Bumthang for a period of three days starting from October 30th till November 1st. Like any other festivals in Bhutan, the Prakar Tshechu revolves around the life story of Guru Padmasambava. However, one unique aspect of the festival is the portrayal and worship of other important Buddhist deities.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival at Paro
Day 2 – Paro Taktsang Hike – Thimphu
Day 3 – Thimphu
Day 4 – Thimphu – Punakha/Wangdi
Day 5 – Punakha/Wangdi – Trongsa
Day 6 – Trongsa – Bumthang
Day 7 – Prakar Tshechu (Festival)
Day 8 – Prakar Tshechu (Festival)
Day 9 – Bumthang – Wangdi
Day 10 – Wangdi – Thimphu – Paro
Day 11 – Paro – Haa Excursion
Day 12 – Departure
