Thimphu Tshechu

06 Oct 2011 - 08 Oct 2011
Place: Tashi Chhodzong

It is held annually in Bhutan's capital Thimphu. The eight-day Buddhist festival incorporates five day Thimphu Drupchen and three days Thimphu Tshechu. It is the biggest of its kind in Bhutan and is held at courtyard of Tashichodzong, which in itself is a landmark of great importance as it houses the ruling political party's office and office of the King of Bhutan.

The Tshechu is celebrated to commemorate ‘good triumphs over evil' or to depict significant historical events especially surrounding the life of Bhutan's patron saint, Guru Padmasambhava (also known as Guru Rinpoche).

A typical program of Paro Tshechu may constitute events listed below

Day 1: ( Inside the Dzong)

• Dance of the Lord of Death and his Consort
• Dance of the Lords of the Cremation Grounds
• The Black Hat Dance
• Dance of the Drum from Dramitse
• Dance of the Eight Kinds of Spirits
• Religious song

Day 2: (Outside the Dzong)

• Dance of the Lord of Death and his Consort
• Dance of the Black Hats with drums
• Dance of the Three Kinds of Ging with sticks
• Dance of the Lords of the Cremation Grounds
• Dance of the Three Kinds of Ging with drums
• Dance of the Stag and the Hounds- 1st part

Day 3: Dance of the Lords on the Cremation Grounds

• Dance of the Terrifying Deities
• Dance of the Heroes with six kinds of ornaments
• Dance of the Noblemen and Ladies
• Dance of the Stag and the Hounds - 2nd part

Day 4:

• Dance of the Lord of Death and his Consort
• Dance of the Four Stags
• Dance of the Judgment of the Dead
• Dance of the Drums from Dramitse

Day 5:

• Dance of the Heroes
• Dance of the Ging and Tsholing
• Dance of the Sixteen Fairies
• Religious Song