Bhutan Festivals
Festivals are part and parcel of Bhutan’s culture. There are many types of festivals to commemorate significant events of the country such as the National day and religious festivals. The religious festivals are observed all over the country to commemorate events in the life of Buddhist masters, who brought Buddhism to Bhutan. It is believed that by attending these festivals, one gains merits and blessings.
Due to this strong belief, the festivals are very special events for the Bhutanese to attend annually. People turn up in their best costumes for the celebrations. The religious festivals are called “Tsechus” and are observed throughout the country. Tsechus last from three to five days and are held in the courtyard of Dzongs and Lhakhangs. Mask dances are the hallmark of Tsechus, whereing laymen as well as monks perform different dances dressed in striking brocade costumes.
Thongdrels, which are large scroll paintings of deities, saints and religious figures, are unveiled during the Tsechus. It is believed that a mere glance of these paintings will cleanse sins committed and also liberate one from the cyclic wheel of Samsara or world of sufferings. There are different types of mask dances, which convey different messages. While some depict the victory of good over evil, mask dances also portray “Judgment day” to demonstrate one’s actions after the death and the realm of bodhisattvas and enlightened teachers.
Every dance has its own significance. During the Tshechus, national and local dance troops which include both young and old also perform different types of dances in between the mask dances providing diversity to the audiences. Local offices, schools and hospitals remain closed and people from other districts also join in the celebration. Seeing is believing, so why don’t you come and see yourself, cleanse your sin and refresh yourself.
Festivals are part and parcel of Bhutan’s culture. There are many types of festivals to commemorate significant events of the country such as the National day and religious festivals. The religious festivals are observed all over the country to commemorate events in the life of Buddhist masters, who brought Buddhism to Bhutan. It is believed that by attending these festivals, one gains merits and blessings.
Due to this strong belief, the festivals are very special events for the Bhutanese to attend annually. People turn up in their best costumes for the celebrations. The religious festivals are called “Tsechus” and are observed throughout the country. Tsechus last from three to five days and are held in the courtyard of Dzongs and Lhakhangs. Mask dances are the hallmark of Tsechus, whereing laymen as well as monks perform different dances dressed in striking brocade costumes.
Thongdrels, which are large scroll paintings of deities, saints and religious figures, are unveiled during the Tsechus. It is believed that a mere glance of these paintings will cleanse sins committed and also liberate one from the cyclic wheel of Samsara or world of sufferings. There are different types of mask dances, which convey different messages. While some depict the victory of good over evil, mask dances also portray “Judgment day” to demonstrate one’s actions after the death and the realm of bodhisattvas and enlightened teachers.
Every dance has its own significance. During the Tshechus, national and local dance troops which include both young and old also perform different types of dances in between the mask dances providing diversity to the audiences. Local offices, schools and hospitals remain closed and people from other districts also join in the celebration. Seeing is believing, so why don’t you come and see yourself, cleanse your sin and refresh yourself.