Bhutan Festival

Festivals is religious events. The ground where they are held is purified and consecrated by lamas, so when you are watching a festival you are, in essence, on the perimeter of an outdoor religious ground. The conduct of the onlooker should be governed with this in mind. The dancers whether monks or layman, are in a state of meditation. They transform themselves into the deities, which they represent on the dance ground. They generate a spiritual power, which cleanses, purifies, enlightens and blesses the spectators.

Festival Etiquette

Festival (Tshechu) is religious ceremonies held on consecrated ground. Therefore it would be appreciated that respectful conduct is adhered to during these festival times.

The dancers are in a state of meditation. They are assuming the personas of the deities, which they are representing. The dances bless the witnesses and also instruct them. With this in mind, it would be appreciated if the onlookers would adhere to respect behaviors. The dance ground is not a place to drink or smoke, talk too loudly or laugh at inappropriate time. While photography is permitted care should be taken not to intrude upon the dances space as well as respect local sentiment. Common courtesy should rule one’s actions when photographing the dancers or onlookers.

Festivals are not entertainment held as tourist attraction. They are a religious tradition, which outsiders are at present allowed to attend. An unruly behavior has in the past lead to dismay from the local population as well as criticism. In order to maintain the policy of tourists being allowed to view the festivals proper behavior would be appreciated.

Dress Code

Since this is one occasion where all Bhutanese dress in their finest clothes so the dress code for visitors would be formal. Inside Dzongs and monasteries hats are not permitted as a rule. Full sleeved shirts and full trouser would suffice for men, the same or dress for women. Ties are not necessary, jackets optional.

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Between 1616 AD and 1651 AD, Zhabdrung had to wage around five major against the major wars against the invading forces of Desi Tsangpa Phuntsho Namgyel and his successors. The Bhutanese militia under the able guidance of Zhabdrung himself was able to defeat the invaders. During those wars, Lam Zhabdrung also sought the support of the guardian Deities, particularly Palden Lhamo and Pal Yeshey Goenbo.

Punakha Drubchen therefore celebrates two important events:

a) Worship of the guardian deities and presentation of the deities to the public through mask dances performed by the monks.

b) Enactment of ancient military scenes by Pazaps.

Totally different than other Festivals in the Kingdom, the Domchey depicts the events of the 17thn century -- specifically, how the Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel came to Bhutan from Tibet. When he came to Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel brought valuable treasure from Tibet with him.

The Tibetan Army came to Punakha Dzong to retrieve the treasure and fought a battle with the Bhutanese defenders. In this festival, four different villages participate, each representing a different army that fought in this historic battle.

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This festival usually takes place in March or April each year, depending upon the Bhutanese lunar calendar. It is considered one of the most colorful and wonderful of Bhutan’s many festivals and is very popular with visitors.

Festival participants don ornamental dress and elaborate costumes that are worn just once a year. Other highlights of the Paro Festival include the Thongdrel on the last day.

Thongdrel is a huge religious scroll, usually with the image of Bhutanese protector deity, Guru Rimpoche, appliquéd in bright silk. The scroll is lowered on the last day of the Festival in the early hours of the morning, and is rolled back up before direct sunlight touches it.

"THONGDREL MEANS LIBERATION UPON SIGHT, SEEING ONE IS ENOUGH TO BRING THE FAITHFUL INTO AN ENLIGHTENED STATE."

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This is another one of the great festivals of Bhutan. Like the Paro festival, its timing depends upon the Bhutanese lunar calendar, but usually occurs in September or October.

Because it is held in the populated capital of Bhutan, the Thimphu festival can be congested. This can make picture-taking challenging. One has to come early to secure a place to sit and watch the Festival.

The Thimphu festival takes place inside the capital-building courtyard. The capital building also houses the offices for the King, Ministry of Home Affairs, as well as summer residences for the monks when they move to the capital from their Punakha winter residence.

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About Jampa Lhakhang Monastery

It is believe that the Jambay Lhakhang was built on the same day as 108 other Lhakhang (Lhasa in Tibet and Kichu Lhakhang in Paro) by the Tibetan king Songsten Gampo to sub due an ogress.

The temple has had restorations and renovations carried out by Guru Rimpoche, Sindhu Raja as well as the first King of Bhutan. Inside the main chapel there are three stone steps, which represent the three stage ages. The first step signifies the age of the Buddha Sakyamuni or historical Buddha. This step has sunk into the ground, as the age is past. The second step represents the present age (Guru Rimpoche is revered as the second Buddha). The highest step represents the new age. It is believed that when a step sinks into the earth the age it represents also passes.

Jampa Lhakhang Drup (Festival)

Although the origin and purpose of the festival cannot be exactly determined, the Jampa Lhakhang Drup is regarded as one of the most ancient and sacred of all festivals in the region. The tradition of people from this area is to congregate in a spirit of piety and festivity on the 15th day of the ninth month of the Bhutanese calendar.

The well-known historian on Bhutan, the late Dr. Michael Aris, pointed out that this ancient festival retained some remnants of the old Agricultural New Year, which falls at the winter solstice and which has almost disappeared from this part of the country.

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All the festivals in Bhutan share the same theme, but each festival has its own special flavor. Different locals and venues provide a kaleidoscope of sight and sound. The Trongsa festival usually takes place in December or January, depending on the Bhutanese calendar.

This festival is less congested than the more popular ones, providing visitors with a better opportunity to experience and photograph the events on a more intimate level.