Festivals of Bhutan:
There are many religious festivals in
Bhutan. The best known festivals are the
Tsechus which are held at different
times of the year in different
locations. Tsechus are celebrated for
three to five days with both monks and
laymen taking part in the ritual mask
dances.
Thimpu Tsechu : The Thimphu Tsechu held every year in
the capital city, this is one of the
most attended Tsechus by the Bhutanese
themselves. Tsechus are held annually
district to district and are a great
time of rejoicing for Bhutanese. Family
members travel great distances to be
reunited at this time of year.
Paro Tsechu :
The Paro Tsechu is held each year in
early to mid April with dates set by the
lunar calendar as is Chinese new year.
The Tsechu is a commemoration of arrival
of the Mahayana Buddhist saint Guru "Rimpoche"
Padmasambhava (747 CE) and his influence
on Bhutan. Different from the original
form of Buddhism begun by the Indian
Guyatama Buddha about 500 BCE, The Guru
Rimpoche established a Buddhism simular
to Tibetan Lamanism with the
synchronitation of the indigenous "Bon"
religions of the Himalayas and their
magical powers. The Guru Rimpoche used
his own powers and authority to convert
local demons to Buddhism. This year's
Paro Tsechu promises to one of the best
ever. Here you will get a glimpse of the
Bhutan that has been kept a secret for
so long. See the "Shinje Yab Yum" (Dance
of the Lord of Death and his consort) as
well as the unfurling of the Paro
Thongdrel (world's largest thankha!).
This victory of the Buddhist doctrines
of "Dharma" over evil powers is the
theme of the Bhutanese Tsechu
celebration. Lasting several days the
Tsechu is an epic pageant of dance and
drama. The "gods of death", the dance of
the stagg and the hound, kings and
queens, the triumphal entrance of the
Guru are all portrayed here in dance.
The Tsechu is a Bhutanese act of worship
of the ideals of Dharma. During most of
the year Bhutanese life revolves around
planting and harvesting. Held during
breaks in the farmer's spring planting
and fall harvest, tsechus afford
travelers a rare glimps into Bhutanese
traditions. Most Buddhist monasteries
are closed to outsiders except during
the tsechu season. This next year's Paro
Tsechu promises to be the bigest Tsechu
Bhutan has ever had.
Black Necked Crane Festival : Bird
watch, party at the festival and attend
a Tsechu in Trongsa. Ultimately, the
goal is the conservation and protecting
the endangered Black Necked Cranes and
their habitat. This can only be obtained
if people see economic benefits
resulting from conservation activities.
The Festival effort is to establish a
clear link to conservation and the
material well being of the people. Visit
Bhutan and help save this beautiful,
rare and vanishing fowl. |
