Chhukha Tshechu – An annual festival of the southern Bhutan showcasing Buddhist rituals and sacred symbolic dances

Chhukha Dzongkhag (district) is the point of entry into the western and central Bhutan from India. Phuentsholing, its sub divisional district is one of the busiest commercial hubs in the country and convenient entry/exit point to/from India. Chhukha districts has two major power projects namely, Chhukha Hydro Power Plant and Tala Hydro Power Plant those are key sources of national income. Majority of the people in district depend on livestock and subsistence agricultural farming with Paddy being the mostly cultivated food crop. Mandarin, Potato and cardamom are the main cash crops in the district. Chhukha is well connected with capital city, Thimphu and Paro with double lane motorable road.

Initiated in 1988, the annual Chhukha Tshechu is formed at dochey (courtyard) of Chhukha Ngedrup Tse Dzong as an offering to Guru Rinpoche. The three-day festival showcases various mask dances as well as regional folk song & dances and the highlight of the festival is Thongdroel (large tapestry) of Guru Rinpoche, unfurled on last day of the festival. Devotees in their finest costume congregate in large number to witness religious performances and gain merit.  The festival also provides an opportunity for locals, to get together, socialize and have a great time, all against backdrop of an important religious ceremony.  

(Image credit: Chhukha Dzongkhag Administration)