Thimphu Tshechu is the biggest festival in Bhutan among other religious tshechus that happen in every region on different dates. It is held for three days during the 8th lunar month, and it brings thousands of people to the capital city Thimphu.
If you had a chance to visit this event when it was just established in the middle of the 19th century, you would probably be confused with only the few ritual dances that were performed by monks. In contrast, modern Thimphu Tshechu is expanded with more performances that look like theater acts with colorful masks and over decorated dresses.
During the festival, visitors can watch the dance of the lords of the cremation grounds, the dance of the stags, the dance of terrifying deities, and so on. The dzongs, or monasteries, that host Tshechu are always packed with visitors, as locals believe that watching ritual dances helps to gain high merit and release your sins.
The main location of the Thimphu Tshechu is Tashichho Dzong, a fortress and monastery in the northern area of Thimphu.
