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Bhutan’s colourful festivals definitely will leave a big impression on all visitors. Although they are very joyful and the local alcohol arra is drunk abundantly, all festivals are holy spiritual events and its attendees gain merit for the next life.
Tshechus
Tshechus were established during the 17th century and have a religious background. Sword dances and other religious rites are performed by monks or village elders, wearing the most astonishing bright and symbolical costumes and masks. Each dance has its own spiritual importance and is meant to teach the visitors about the Buddhist teachings (Dharma), freeing them from evil and protecting them from accidents.
The tshechus take place each year at the dzongs, either in spring or autumn, arranged according to the lunar calender. They are celebrated for three to five days and all public is welcome. The festivals are held in the courtyards and temples of the dzongs which come alive with music, color and dancing, watched by people in their finest clothes. Purpose of the tshechus is not only to educate the people, but they also provide a forum for social gatherings and contacts. The largest and most important tshechus happen during spring and fall in Thimphu, Paro and Bumthang. It’s also the time when foreign tourism is at its highest.
Dromchoes
The dromchoes are dedicated to the protecting deities of Bhutan’s different drukpas (districts). Early spring the most famous dromchoe takes place at the Punakha dzong in honor of Mahakala, the protecting spirit of Punakha. Combat cantos, songs and dances are performed as well as the Marching Ceremony, executed by the traditional military called Pazaps.
Tse Chu
Another festival which is very special to attend, is a Tse Chu. These religious monastery festivals are held all over Bhutan and their purpose is to exorcise evil spirits, to reconcile the gods and to ask for a good harvest. Just like the tshechus and dromchoes, during Tse Chu the dzong’s monks wear beautiful costumes and masks, supported by the impressive tunes of the festival’s music.
Festival dates
Bhutan knows many festivals and their dates are set far ahead. Note though that in some areas, especially outside Thimphu and Paro, festival dates can change without notice. Therefore you better confirm dates for local festivals with the authorities of the different dzongs or dzongkhags. You can also contact the Bhutan Tourism Corporation Limited, which lists the main and best known festivals. All of the festival dates are based on the Lunar Buddhist Calender and vary from year to year.
Please check the website of the Tourism Council of Bhutan for current information.
Tip
: on YouTube there are several video’s of Bhutanese festivals. Check them out or click at one of the links listed below
Archery
Bhutans absolute # 1 sport is archery. Each village has its' own archery range and every festival knows a high-spirited competition. Archery tournaments happen all through the year on local, inter-village and national level. Teams of archers use bamboo bows, shooting at wooden targets only 30 centimeters in diameter from a distance of 140 meters. The wooden targets are embellished with bright colourful patterns. Although the major role is reserved for the archers, their supporters are maybe just as important, encouraging them strongly and trying to off the opposition with a lot of noise, supported by the arra (alcohol) which flows from dusk until dawn, keeping the spirits high. If you get the change to visit an archery tournament, let yourself be immersed in a great exitement, initiation ceremonies, wild dances, singing, jeering and near-primitive howls.
Archery is a favourite sport in Bhutan
Football
Although football is not as big as in many other countries across the world, Bhutan does have its own national footballteam. In 2002 their team became penultimate of the national teams, ranking 202nd. June 30th, the day of the worldfinal in Japan, was a historical event. For the first time in history, Bhutan’s national team won an international match. They defeated Montserrat (ending last in the rankings) with 4-0.
Golf
The Royal Thimphu Golf Course is the only public golf course in Bhutan. Nestled in the Himalayan valley of Thimphu, it offers a challenging nine-hole (par 33) course. While you are there, enjoy a marvelous meal in the restaurant at the golf course, one of Thimphu’s best. The course is about 35 years old, has about 100 members and is open all year.
Dochu La pass (3140 m) - Chorten in Bhutanese style
Bhutans unique spirit and identity is also reflected in the arts and crafts, which are all religiously rooted. Three characteristics are typical for Bhutanese art: it has no independent aesthetic function, it is religious and anonymous. Bhutan ‘art of Zorig Chosum’ contains 13 arts and crafts. These vary from paintings and thankas (wall hangings) to sculptures, weaving, paper making, wood carving, carpentry, blacksmithing, swordmaking, boothmaking, thazo (bamboo craft), jewelry and bow and 
arrow making.
Because the Bhutanese make the arts merely for themselves and not for tourists, they are still very much alive. Also, the government puts a great emphasis on the preservation of culture and tradition and supports it in several ways.
Bhutanese old doorknob
Thanka wall painting by Bhutan Buddhist
Bhutan’s culture is very much alive and expressed in everything, including the traditional clothing its people have been wearing for centuries. While machine milled traditional clothing is popular for daily wear, the traditionally woven dress is worn on all formal occasions including working in the office. At birth, marriage, death and promotion gifts of cloth are offered. On formal occasions, the Bhutanese wear their best hand-woven clothes.
The woman’s kera is an ankle length dress. Made from finely woven fabrics, the kira has traditional and beautifully coloured patterns. Under the kera, woman wear a wonju (blouse) which is held in place over the shoulder with a koma (silver buckle). Decorations, colours and texture determine the woman’s social status and class. Usually over the dress a toego (open jacket) is worn. The outfit is completed by necklaces made from turquoise, corals, pearls and the precious agate eye stone. These ‘dzi beads’ are called ‘tears of the gods’.
The men wear a gho, tied in place at the waist with a small hand-woven kera (belt). Above the kera a large pouch is formed in which the men can carry traditional items like betel nut and a bowl. The costume is completed with long socks and shoes or tradional handmade boots, sometimes with beautiful designs embroidered on them in the most splendid colours.
A loom weaving
