“Tshechu” literally translated from Dzongkha means “the 10th date”. Tshechus are grand religious festivals held every year on the tenth date of a month based on the lunar calendar, to celebrate the birth of Guru Rinpoche, a highly revered Indian Saint who spread Vajrayana Buddhism in Bhutan during the 8th century. The month of celebration varies from each Dzongkhag (District) so there are several Tshechus throughout the year in different regions of Bhutan. The most popular Tshechus are in Paro and Thimphu. During Tshechus, all Government offices and private institutions are closed as it is observed as a public holiday in that region. The festivals are usually spread out over a three-day period except for Paro Dzongkhag, which observes a five-day long celebration. According to Legends Guru Rinpoche performed a series of mask dances called Chams, in then Bumthang Dzongkhag to subjugate malevolent spirits who were harming Sindhu Raja, a local ruler who had asked the Saint for his intercession. Guru Rinpoche emerged victorious and the mortal threat to the King’s life was removed. The King ever grateful swore that he would spread Buddhism in the region and so began the centuries old tradition of Tshechus, during which several chams are performed to celebrate the birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche and to bless the attendees of the festival.

These festivals are eagerly awaited by the people of each Dzongkhag as it is believed by attending, one is purified and cleansed of negative karma and bestowed blessings. It also serves as a social event where thousands of people gather dressed in their finest Ghos and Kiras (Traditional Bhutanese attire). A visit to the festival will greet you with a kaleidoscope of colours with bright traditional Bhutanese patterns worn by the festival goers occupying the festival grounds. The festival also attracts various merchants and craftsmen. Traditional handicrafts, textiles, paintings, and religious items are some of the wares will be on sale during this period making it an ideal time to purchase souvenirs to take back home.

During the festival, several Mask Dances or Chams are performed throughout the day. The Chams are performed by monks and laymen to the accompaniment of live music played from ceremonial Buddhist instruments. Wooden masks depicting animals, ferocious protector deities, hideous demons and serene saints are adorned by the performers. Each of the dances are unique and serve a different function. Some dances are performed to purify and sanctify the festival grounds, some to bestow blessings, some dances convey tales of miraculous deeds performed by saints and some even depict the journey of the soul after death in Vajrayana Buddhism. Between the Mask dances, folk songs and folk dances occupy the program to entertain the crowd and provide some rest to the Mask dancers, as some of the dances are quite physical and require considerable stamina and athleticism to perform.