What do the Festivals in Bhutan Look Like?
In Bhutan, festivals are referred to as Tshechu. These events are significant and are celebrated in honor of Guru Rinpoche Padmasambhava, who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in the eighth century. During the celebration, people perform traditional rituals and cultural dances, wearing unique and colorful costumes that are a sight to watch. Apart from this, Thsechu serves as a social gathering occasion where thousands of people bond together to celebrate.
Paro Tshechu
If you want to experience majestic mask dances and music in a spiritual atmosphere, then Paro Tshechu is the festival you must attend. It is a popular five-day event held annually in spring (March or April) in Paro Dzong. During these celebrations, monks unveil a huge religious painting called Thangka, and thousands of people visit to witness it and offer their prayers. It is believed that by doing so, they receive the blessing of the gods. This incredible festival is one of the significant reasons for preserving Buddhist mythology in Bhutan.
Punakha Drubchen
Bhutanese people celebrate this festival for the extraordinary contribution of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the unifier of Bhutan. They celebrate the occasion in Punakha Dzong, where the priests wear different costumes of ancient warriors and reenact the victorious battle. The festival is famous for its colorful dance and vibrant atmosphere. The event is held in February or March and attracts many tourists worldwide.
Thimphu Tshechu
Thimphu Tshechu is Bhutan's national festival, hosted in the capital city of Thimpu. It is a three-day event renowned for its folk music and traditional dances, including the Cham dance performed by monks wearing masks. Thousands of tourists travel to Bhutan in autumn (September) to witness incredible cultural spectacles and explore stunning landscapes in favorable climatic conditions.
Jambay Lhakhang Drup
The Jambay Lhakhang Drup is a mystical festival celebrated in one of the oldest temples in Bumthang Valley. The main highlight is a sacred fire dance called Mewang, during which people pass through the flames, believing it will purify their souls. Additionally, Tercham, also known as naked dance, is performed at midnight as a fertility ritual. This unique festival is celebrated for four days in September or October, allowing travelers to indulge in Bhutan's spiritual and cultural aspects.
Haa Summer Festival
Summer in Bhutan offers visitors a chance to experience Bhutanese culture and tradition up close with the Haa Summer Festival. The celebration takes place in Haa Valley in July every year, and local communities participate in traditional music, dances, a yak race, and archery competitions. Such vibrant events attract travelers to explore the nomadic lifestyle of Bhutan and enjoy local cuisines among the stunning landscapes of the valley.
Black-Necked Crane Tshechu
Black-necked cranes are endangered bird species that migrate to Bhutan during the winter. In November, a festival is organized in Phobjikha Valley to celebrate their arrival. Various cultural programs are conducted during the event, and local people dress as cranes and perform traditional dances. This occasion allows travelers to immerse themselves in local traditions and experience a deep connection with nature and wildlife.
Must Try Bhutanese Cuisine and Beverage
Bhutanese cuisine perfectly blends flavors, simplicity, freshness, and local ingredients. The country is famous for its organic farming and spicy flavors, as local people love chili in their foods. Besides the delicious Bhutanese food, some alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are also popular among travelers. Here are some of the most iconic dishes and drinks of Bhutan.
Ema Datshi
Ema Datshi is Bhutan's national dish. It consists of chili peppers (Ema) and cheese (Datshi) cooked together to form a spicy combination. This delicacy is a typical cuisine in every household, with other variations made from potatoes, mushrooms, or green beans. You can enjoy Ema Datshi with rice throughout the year in Bhutan.
Momo
Momos are dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, steamed or fried, and served with a spicy sauce. While similar to cuisines in neighboring countries like Nepal, China, and India, they have a different flavor in Bhutan. The Bhutanese momo consists of cheese, cabbage, or minced meat, which creates a distinct flavor. Travelers who visit Bhutan love to enjoy Momo due to their incredible taste and affordable price.
Phaksha Paa
Phaksha Paa is a delicious pork dish cooked with radishes and chilies. The pork is fried with vegetables and spices and then served with red rice. This tasty dish is a must-have in Bhutan for all non-vegetarian travelers.
Jasha Maroo
Jasha Maroo is a spicy cuisine containing chicken, onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and chilies. Tourists can enjoy this comforting delicacy served with rice and other side dishes. The Bhutanese consume this delicacy significantly during the winter season.
Butter Tea (Suja)
Besides the delicious Bhutanese cuisine, Butter Tea (suja) is a famous traditional beverage in this magnificent country. The drink is made from tea, butter, and salt and is consumed by people at higher altitudes to keep themselves warm from the cold. It is also served to travelers and guests as a symbol of hospitality in Bhutan.
Ara
Ara is a traditional alcoholic drink prepared from fermented rice, barley, or wheat. It is served during festivals and ceremonies as an offering, making it a significant part of Bhutan's cultural and religious rituals. Although we do not recommend alcoholic beverages during trekking, you can try Ara in small quantities during rest days.
Experience Authentic Bhutanese Culture and Tradition
Bhutan's traditions and culture are heavily influenced by Buddhism, which showcases simplicity and harmony. The government of Bhutan has played an immense role in preserving its cultural heritage through various policies and the initiative of sustainable tourism. Some significant aspects make this nation one of the most culturally appealing tourist destinations, which are discussed below.
Music and Dance
Music and Dance are integral to festivals and religious ceremonies in Bhutan. Monks and locals perform various dances wearing masks and costumes, a testament to the rich Buddhist heritage. Boedra and Zhungdra are the most renowned traditional music played during Tshechu, where dances like Cham are performed. Travelers can witness and participate in these famous events and immerse themselves in local customs and traditions.
Archery
Archery is Bhutan's national sport. It requires great skill, as archers need to hit the target at 140 meters or more. Every village has an archery range, where regular competitions are conducted during festivals accompanied by social gatherings, music, and dance. Traveling during the festive season allows tourists to participate in these competitions and learn about their distinct cultural heritage.
Buddhism
During your visit to Bhutan, you can experience a serene atmosphere in the monasteries and temples. You can also immerse yourself in religious festivals, prayers, and rituals to delve into the spiritual aspects of the travel. Additionally, the stupas and prayer flags along the route add to the scenic beauty of Bhutan's diverse landscapes and natural wonders.
Art and Architecture
Bhutanese art and architecture are deeply rooted in Buddhism, reflected through various religious patterns and themes. In monasteries and temples, you can witness incredible Thanka paintings, murals, and sculptures of gods. On the other hand, you can learn about Bhutanese architecture during your exploration of Dzongs and other fortresses. These are some of the most iconic monuments built with stone, wood, and mud bricks. They are generally located in hills and serve as religious and administrative centers, attracting travelers worldwide.
Language and Literature
The ethnic diversity and Buddhism are two significant factors influencing the Bhutanese language and literature. Although people speak different dialects based on ethnicity, Bhutan's official language is Dzongkha. Most languages are inspired by religious texts and biographies of saints, forming the base for rich traditional literature that plays a crucial role in preserving Bhutanese culture.
Traditional Dress
In recent times, the unique Bhutanese traditional dress has attracted many travelers from all over the world. Thousands of tourists visit Bhutan annually to experience wearing these incredible dresses called Gho and Kira, Bhutan's national dress. The Gho is a knee-length robe tied with a belt for men, while the Kira is a long, rectangular piece of cloth wrapped around the body and fastened at the shoulders with brooches worn by women. These traditional garments reflect modesty, simplicity, and respect for tradition.
Why Choose Outfitter Nepal?
If you plan to explore Bhutan's rich cultural heritage, festivals, and scenic beauty, Outfitter Nepal is your best choice. With over fifteen years of experience organizing tours in Bhutan, we promise you a once-in-a-lifetime traveling experience. Our team of expert guides and customized itineraries based on your preferences ensure an enriching and safe journey. Besides this, our company provides the perfect balance of adventure and comfort, with an opportunity to immerse in local traditions and vibrant festivals. So, pack your backpack and embark on the journey to the magical Kingdom with Outfitter Nepal.
