Bhutan festivals are very popular within the country. It is one of the most joyous occasions that the Bhutanese people wait for round the year. People from all walks of life come together wearing the best costumes and outfits to witness the Tshechu (festivals) that are performed in the courtyard of the Dzong (fortress), or temples by the clergy or laymen lasting from three to five days. It is also a popular attraction for the tourists and requires the tour reservation of at least 2 months in advance to confirm the Druk-Air tickets and hotels.

The most popular festivals in the middle of the tourists in Bhutan are of Paro, Punakha, Wangdue, Thimphu and Bumthang. The two popular festivals are dromchoe, a religious festival dance dedicated to Yeshe Gampo (Mahakala) or Palden Lhamo, the two main protective deities of the Drukpas and the Tshechu dedicated to Guru Rinpoche, to commemorate his remarkable actions. Dancers wear spectacular costumes made of bright silk and rich brocade, ornate hats or masks which may represent animals, skulls, fearsome deities or the manifestation of Guru Rinpoche. Each festival dance has its own religious significance and interpretation.

F E S T I V A L P L A C E 2012 2013 Punakha Domchoe Punakha 13 – 17 Feb 04 – 08 Mar Chorten Kora Tashi Yangtse 23 Feb & 10 Mar 14 & 29 Mar Gom Kora Tshechu Tashigang 18 – 20 Mar 06 – 08 Apr Chhukha Tshechu Chhukha 18 – 20 Mar 06 – 08 Apr Paro Tshechu Paro Festival Paro 21 – 25 Mar 09 – 13 Apr Ura Tshechu Ura Festival Tour Bumthang 19 – 23 Apr 07 – 11 May Nimalung Tshechu Bumthang 15 – 17 Jun 04 – 06 July Kurjey Tshechu Bumthang 17 Jun 06 July Wangdu Tshechu Wangdi Festival Tour Wangdue 11– 13 Sept 30 Sept – 02 Oct Tamshing Phala Choepa Tamshing Phala Festival Tour Bumthang 12– 14 Sept 01– 03 Oct Thimphu Drupchen Thimphu 08– 12 Sept 27 Sept – 01 Oct Thimphu Tshechu Thimpu Festival Tour Thimphu 13 – 15 Sept 02 – 04 Oct Tangbi Mani Tangbi Festival Tour Bumthang 17– 19 Sept 06 – 08 Oct Jambay Lakhang Drup Jambay Lakhang Festival Tour Bumthang 17 - 21 Oct 05 – 09 Nov Prakar Tshechu Bumthang 18 – 20 Oct 06 – 08 Nov Ngalakhang Tsehchu Bumthang 15 – 17 Dec 04 – 06 Dec Mongar Tshechu Mongar 07 – 10 Dec 27 – 28 Nov Pemagatsel Tshechu Pemagatsel 07 – 10 Dec 27 – 30 Nov Tashigang Tshechu Tashigang 08 – 11 Dec, 28 Nov – 01 Dec Lhuntse Tshechu Lhuntse 08 – 10 Jan, '06 28 – 30 Dec Trongsa Tshechu Tongsa 08 – 10 Jan, '06 28 – 30 Dec

Festival Dates Published by Bhutan Tourism Bureau. All festival dates are calculated according to the Tibetan/Buddhist lunar calendar and are subject to change without notice by the local authorities.

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