At Bhutan’s heart are its festivals. The most important are the religious dance festivals, known as Tshechus held in different districts at specific times during the year.
They are not somber formal religious affairs but occasions to get together, renew acquaintance and dress in their best costumes. They are riots of colors, smells and noise. For a visitor, a well-timed trip to any such occasion is a golden opportunity to look at Bhutanese life in a miniscule. Portraying the country's traditions and beliefs, the festivals mirror the values that construct a typical Bhutanese society
Thimphu Tshechu is one of the most beautiful and Colourful Festival in Western Bhutan, and it is celebrated for five days to commemorate the great deeds of Guru Rimpoche, the founding saint of Buddhism in Bhutan.
Masked dances and other rituals are performed in the courtyard of the Dzong.
The origin of most mask dances can be traced to beyond the middle-ages and each dance has its religious significance performed by monks and villagers. In a swirl of colors and noise the gods and demons of Buddhist mythology come to life. The proceedings are lightened by the presence of the Atsaras (Jesters) who amuse the audience with their antics.
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