Thimphu Tshechu, 20-Sept-2010


The dances are getting ready












A small donation is expected


The VIM Lounge  (Very Important Monks)






The parliament


Rest before walking back to the village

From: http://www.godifferently.com/bhutan_festival.asp

Thimphu Festival Tour

At different times of the year, the annual festivals known as "Tshechus" take place in different parts of the country. Tshechus are festivals extolling the great deeds of the Saint Padmasambhava also known as "Guru Rinpoche," in Bhutan. These great deeds are all believed to have taken place on the 10th day of the month which is the meaning of the word 'Tshechu.' Even though all Tshechus do not, in practice, take place on 10th days. All the districts, dzongs and a large number of villages in the east, have an annual Tshechu which attact people from various places.

Tshechus are celebrated for several days, between three to five days according to their location, and are the occasion for dances that are clearly defined in religious content. They can be performed by monks, laymen or gomchens and the repertoire is the same practically everywhere.

For the Bhutanese, religious festivals offer an opportunity to become immersed in the meaning of their religion and gain much merit. They are also occasions for seeing people, and for being seen, for social exchanges, and for flaunting success. People bring out their finest clothes, their most beautiful jewelleries, and go for picnic with abundant food, Men and women joke and flirt. An atmosphere of convivial, slightly ribald good humour prevails.