Festivals, known as 'tsechus,' are integral to Bhutanese culture. While they are great social events where entire communities come together to celebrate, they also carry tremendous spiritual significance, as the Bhutanese believe that by attending these special celebrations, they gain religious merit. For the outside observer, it is a chance to see the Bhutanese dressed up in all their finery as if for a wedding and to witness an explosion of colour, music and gaiety as the tsechus are celebrated through ritual masked dances called 'chams'.
International
A Spectacle Of Tradition & Joy: Bhutan's Royal Highland Festival
The 'tsechus' in Bhutan are culturally significant festivals combining social gatherings and spiritual significance through ritual masked dances
Ranjan Pal
23 December 2023
Cham dancers from Singkar Lauri village in Jomotsangkha Dungkhag performing a traditional dance called “Achi Lhamo”
Photo: Bassem Nimah
Cham dancers from Singkar Lauri village in Jomotsangkha Dungkhag performing a traditional dance called “Achi Lhamo”
Photo: Bassem Nimah
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