THIMPHU TSHECHU TOUR

One of the biggest festivals in the country is the Thimphu Tshechu. This festival is 
held in the capital city for three days beginning on 10th day of the 8th month of lunar 
calendar. This Tshechu is witnessed by thousands of people many of which travel 
from neighboring Dzongkhags (districts) to attend the festivities. The actual Tshechu 
is preceded by days and nights of prayer and rituals to invoke the gods. When it was 
initiated by the 4th Desi, Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay in 1867 the Tshechu consisted of only 
a  few dances being performed strictly by monks. These were the Zhana chham and 
the Zhana Nga chham (Dances of the 21 Black Hats), Durdag (Dance of the Lords of 
the Cremation Ground), and the Tungam chham (Dance of the Terrifying Deities).
The Thimphu Tshechu underwent a change in the 1950s, when the third King Jigme 
Dorji Wangchuck, introduced numerous Boed chhams (mask dances performed by lay 
monks). These additions added colour and variation to the festival without 
compromising its spiritual significance. Mask dances like the Guru Tshengye (Eight 
Manifestations of Guru), Shaw Shachi (Dance of the Stags) are enjoyed because they 
are similar to stage-theater.
 
Equally important are the Atsaras, who are more than just mere clowns. The Atsaras 
are the dupthobs (acharyas), who provide protection. The dances and the jesting of 
the Atsaras are believed to entrance evil forces and prevent them from causing harm 
during Tshechus. Modern Atsaras also perform short skits to disseminate health and 
social awareness messages.
 
To farmers, the Tshechu is also seen as a break from farm life. It’s an occasion to 
celebrate, receive blessings and pray for health and happiness.