Talo Tshechu - The 300-year-old festival celebrated with pomp and gaiety at quaint village of Talo near Punakha

About an hour’s drive from Punakha, the quaint Talo village is situated at an altitude of 2,800m and known for cleanliness and hygiene among Punakha villages. Blessed with temperate climate, each house in picturesque Talo village having its own vegetable and flower garden and all these paint mesmerising picture of the place.  

The three-day annual Talo Tshechu (festival) takes place at Talo Sangnacholing Dzong and held in the month of March. This more than 300-year-old festival is particularly popular for its mask and Atsara (Bhutanese version of Sutradas – storeytellers) dances. Indigenous to this festival is the Zhungdra – classical song sung in meditative style without music, by Talo dance troupe. The three songs of Mani sum, which includes the Zhungra set is performed at the end of each day event. Samyi Sala is performed on the first day, followed by Drukpai Dungye on the second day and Thowachi Gangi Tselay on the third and last day. The Zhungdra performance, particularly these three songs known as Mani Sum are considered extremely close to the heart of the Talops (people of Talo).

People from different part of the country come together to witness the masked and Atsara dances. Besides its religious significance, the festival also provides opportunity for villagers and families to come together and celebrate the special occasion.