Festival Tour

Festivals in Bhutan transpire in different time of the year at different places. Tshechu is the main festival, which is held annually in every district. Many religious activities, most of them in the form of dances, ensue during Tshechhus.
Tshechhu literally means the “tenth day.” “Tshe” means date and “Chu” means tenth. So it is celebrated on the tenth day of a particular month. The duration of the event, meanwhile, depends on the location. It is celebrated for several days from three days to five days.
It is during Tshechhus people come on their best and colourful attires. In the event you can witness Bhutanese folk dances, religious dances, and mask dances locally known as “Chaam.” Religious dramas and epics of great Buddhist saint significant in Bhutan are also conducted. The monks and laymen perform the dances. Students of the Royal Academy of Performing Arts perform some of the dances.
Atsara (clowns) on expressive masks and postures is a treat in Tshechhus. The clowns confront with the monks, spice up jokes with the viewers, and distract the crowd with their antiques when the religious dances begin to grow monotonous.
Believed to represent Acharyas (religious masters of India) Atsaras are the only group permitted to mock the religion in a society where sacredness is treated highest.
For a few days these popular entertainers are allowed the freedom to express a formulaic challenge within an established framework that does not, however, upset the social and religious order.
Some Tshechhus end with the displaying of a huge applique “Thongdroel.” The faithful believe that by simply viewing Thongdroel, they can be delivered from the cycle of reincarnation.