The Buddhist festivals or Tsechus are one of the prime examples of the living culture of Bhutan that many have come to admire and to treasure. The Tsechu is a festival in honour of Guru Rinpoche, the saint who brought Buddhism to Bhutan and the Himalayan world.


These Tsechus are held in almost every district attracting hundreds of Bhutanese people in a spirit of festivity, celebration and deep faith. The Tsechus have spiritual connotations, and Buddhist practitioners perceive a symbolic communion between dancers and spectators. Those attuned to the faith can feel the spiritual powers evoked by the dancers dressed in elaborate, often ancient, costumes, masks and headgear. Apart from monk dancers, community folk dancers and singers also perform during the Tsechus. The Bhutanese people consider it a blessing to be able to watch the dances.


Tsechus are held on auspicious days, on the tenth day of the Bhutanese month, and last up to four days in which a series of highly stylised masked dance rituals are performed. The dances are well known and loved by the Bhutanese who come dressed in their best for the very special social occasion for all Bhutanese families.