The festivals of Bhutan are a colourful and joyous affair, as every festival here is a celebration of faith, legends, myths and history of Bhutan. The most popular festivals of Bhutan are those celebrated in Thimphu, Paro and Bumthang. The festivals here majorly include dancing and music, and can last between two to five days. During the festivals, the locals dress in their finest clothes and gather at the various venues.
Dancing is a way of celebration in Bhutan. Rare masked dance, sword dance etc along with other rituals are performed here. Each dance holds its own significance. The dancers mask as wrathful and compassionate deities, heroes, demons and animals. During some festivals, a small fair is organized outside the dzong or goemba.
Let’s look at some of the important fairs and festivals of Bhutan -
Black Necked Crane Festival Organised by the local communities in Phobjikha, the Black Necked crane festival is one of the major festivals of Bhutan. It is said that black necked crane have importance in the lives of the local people and also is a sacred identity in the culture of Bhutan. The main aim of the festival is to promote the motive of protecting the Black Necked Cranes and their habitat in the country.
Jambay Lhakhang Festival One of the most sacred festivals of Bhutan, Jambay Lhakhang takes place every year in the month of October/ November. One can spot many mask dancers with great artistic outfits during this festival. Famed for fire blessing ceremony, during this festival the locals run below a huge flaming. These flaming gates are made up of dry grasses. This dance festival is performed around bonfire in the night. According to beliefs, women who do not have children should participate in the festival and God will bless them with child/ children.
Paro Festival ‘Tsechu’ is the famous festival of Paro, which means day 10. According to Tibetan Calendar, the day comes on the 10th day of Tibetan month lunar, and is celebrated around the month of October. Although it’s a Buddhist festival, people from all religion and beliefs are present to witness the grand celebration. Colourful costumes and other skillful art define the festival.
Thimphu Festival The capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu is also very popular. The festival ‘Thimphu Tshechu’ is celebrated in a grand way here, and many people from nearby places celebrate it with enthusiasm. Various artists from all over the country come together, to perform in the Thimphu Festival. These artists include dancers, musicians, singers and many others. According to popular belief, the Thimphu Tshechu festival is dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava.
Parkhar Festival Parkhar Festival goes on for two days, and is less crowded. The dance performance during the festival also seems to be of better quality with professional monks performing at the festival. The locals attend the festival for food, drinks, and games.
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