A tshechu (Dzongkha: ཚེས་བཅུ།, literally "day ten") is any of the annual religious Bhutanese festivals held in each district or dzongkhag of Bhutan on the tenth day of a month of the lunar Tibetan calendar.

Steeped in tradition, reverence, and vibrant cultural heritage, the Tshechu festivals of Bhutan stand as timeless celebrations that captivate the soul and ignite the spirit. As the beating heart of Bhutanese religious and cultural life, these festivals offer a mesmerizing glimpse into the kingdom's rich tapestry of beliefs, rituals, and artistic expression.

Rooted in the teachings of Buddhism and honoring revered figures such as Guru Rinpoche, Tshechus are sacred rites of passage, where the past meets the present in a dazzling display of devotion.

With their colourful dances, intricate costumes, and age-old traditions, Tshechu festivals transport participants and onlookers alike to a realm where time seems to stand still, and the divine presence is palpable in every beat of the drum and sway of the dancer.

Immersing yourself in a Tshechu festival is not only a memorable experience but also the best way to truly understand and embrace the essence of Bhutanese culture.

Upcoming Tshechu

Punakha Tshechu

When: Feb 27, 2026 - Feb 28, 2026

Punakha Tshechu is one of Bhutan’s most significant and visually stunning religious festivals, celebrated annually in the courtyard of the historic Punakha Dzong. A tshechu, meaning "tenth day" in Dzongkha, is held on the 10th day of a lunar month and honours the birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava)—the revered saint who introduced Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century. The festival features colourful masked dances, spiritual rituals, and the unveiling of a sacred thongdrel, all set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Punakha Valley.

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Talo Tshechu

When: Mar 26, 2026 - Mar 28, 2026

Talo Tshechu is a three-day annual Buddhist festival held at Talo Monastery (Talo Goenpa), perched at an elevation of around 2,800 metres above the Punakha valley. Talo Tshechu is usually held in March or April, following the Bhutanese lunar calendar.

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Paro Tshechu

When: Mar 29, 2026 - Apr 02, 2026

Every year on the 10th date of the second month of the Bhutanese calendar, a festival is held in the charming valley of Paro to celebrate the birth of Guru Rinpoche, a highly revered saint who spread Vajrayana Buddhism in Bhutan.

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Popular Tshechu

Thimphu Tshechu

When: Sep 21, 2026 - Sep 23, 2026

Thimphu Tshechu is a major annual religious festival held in Bhutan’s capital to honour Guru Rinpoche, who introduced Tantric Buddhism to the country. Celebrated over three days in late September or early October, it showcases Bhutan’s spiritual traditions, culture, and community spirit.

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Druk Wangyel Tshechu

When: Dec 13, 2026 - Dec 13, 2026

Druk Wangyel Tshechu is held in honour of his majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck and the Royal Bhutan Army for a successful military operation in which Indian militants hiding in the southern regions of Bhutan were successfully flushed out in December 2003.

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Kurjey Tshechu

When: Jun 24, 2026 - Jun 24, 2026

Kurjey Tsechu is celebrated in the popular Kurjey Lakhang in Bumthang. People of Jakar and Kurjey villages attend the Tshechu to pay obeisance to Guru Rinpoche who brought Buddhism to Bhutan.

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Bhutanese festival

"Beyond spiritual affairs, Tshechu is a celebration of community, camaraderie, and shared Bhutanese identity. Families come together, dressed in their finest traditional attire, to enjoy the festivities. It's a time of joy, feasting, and dancing, fostering a strong sense of unity and belonging among the Bhutanese people"

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