Festivals 2005
There are many festivals held at different
locations at different times of the year.
The best known festival is "Tshechu" which
is celebrated in honour of Guru Padmasambhava
commemorating his great deeds. Popularly known
as "Guru Rimpoche".
This Indian saint contributed enormously to
the diffusion of Tantric Buddhism in the Himalayan
region of Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan around 800
AD. Guru Padmasambhava is founder of the Nyingmapa,
the old school of Lamaism, which still has
numerous followers.
The biography of Guru is highlighted
by 12 episodes on the model of Buddha Shakyamuni's
life. "Tshechu" which has become the name
of very popular festival commemorate each
episode around the year on the 10th day of
the month. The dates and the duration of festival
vary from one place to another but they all
take place on or around 10th day of the month
according
to Bhutanese calendar. "Tshechus" are celebrated
for several days, between three and five according
to location, and are the occasion for dances
that are clearly defined in religious content.
Both monks as well as laymen take
part in these dances which are performed in
a similar manner at each of the Tshechus.
Certain Tshechus end with the worship of a
huge applique Thangkha representing Guru Rimpoche
and his eight manifestations. It is called
'THONGDROEL' and is believed that simply by
viewing it people can be delivered from the
cycle of reincarnations.
The Bhutanese people attach great
importance to festivals, which allow them
to become immersed in their religion and gain
merit, and it is because of this importance
that the festivals are so well preserved.
These events are also a time for the local
people to socialize, to laugh, to joke with
their neighbors and acquaintances, to dress
in their finest clothes and jewelry, to eat
well and generally to have good time. Below
given is a list of festivals, their location
and tentative dates for year 2005.
Please feel free to save your copy.
