Paro Tshechu (7 Days)

7th to 11th April 2017

The ‘Tsechu’ literally means the ’10th day’ of a month and is considered one of the auspicious days of the month. The festivals are called ‘Tshechu’ as one of the three days of festival falls on the 10th day of the particular month. These religious festivals are in honour of Guru Rimpoche Padmasambhava (the Indian Saint who spread Buddhism in the country in 8th century) or a patron deity of the area. Mask dances and various cultural folk dances are performed by the monks and the locals. All mask dances have religious significance and it is believed that one who witnesses the tshechu is profusely blessed.

Tshechus are also an occasion for friends and families to get together and for some it is also an opportunity to show off their best dresses, jewelry and ornaments. So, everybody is dressed in their best.

The annual Paro Tshechu falls by end of March or early April as per Bhutanese (lunar) calendar and is one of the most popular festivals in Bhutan.