Kurjey Tshechu

The Kurjey Tshechu is a vibrant religious festival celebrated annually in Bhutan. Kurjey Tshechu is a one-day affair and it is typically held at the Kurjey Lhakhang, a sacred monastery located in the Bumthang Valley. The festival usually takes place in the month of June.

During the Kurjey Tshechu, locals and visitors gather to witness colorful masked dances and religious rituals performed by monks and laymen. The highlight of the festival include religiously significant dances such as Guru Tshengye and Shinjay cham performed by the monks of Kurjey Lhakhang that depicts stories from Buddhist mythology and serves to impart blessings and teachings to the audience.

Other highlights of the Kurjey Tshechu include traditional music performances, prayers, and the unfurling of a large thongdrel (religious scroll painting) early morning of the festival. It is believed to bestow blessings upon those who witness it.

About Kurjey Lhakhang

Situated in the Choekhor valley within Bumthang, Kurjey Lhakhang stands as one of Bhutan's holiest sanctuaries, deriving its name from the "kur" (body) print and "jey" (imprint) of Guru Rinpoche, which are preserved within a cave nestled in the oldest structure of the temple complex.

Among the trio of temples, the first was constructed in 1652 atop the rocky facade where Guru Padmasambhava engaged in meditation during the 8th century. The second temple, regarded as the most sacred, was erected at the location of a cave housing an imprint of Guru Rinpoche's body. Additionally, the third temple, established in the 1990s by Ashi Kesang, the Queen Grandmother of Bhutan, completes the trio. Encircling these temples are 108 chortens, adding to the spiritual significance of the site.

You can actually attend both Nimalung Tshechu and Kurjey Tshechu if your travel plan coincides with the dates of the festivals. 

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