Thangbi Mani - The annual festival held at an ancient 15th century temple in central Bhutan and is particularly popular for its ‘fire blessing ceremony’

Located in Choekhor valley of Bumthang, in the middle of wide fertile plateau overlooking the river, Thangbi Lhakhang is a 15th century temple established by 4th Shamar Rinpoche, one the two highest ranking lamas of Kagyupa religious school who came to Bumthang from Tibet. The temple has two sanctuaries: the sanctuary on ground floor contains statue of past, present and future Buddha and three clay statues probably dating from the end of 15th century and on the upper floor the vestibule of the sanctuary contains remarkable paintings namely Zangtho Pelri (Guru Rinpoche’s heaven), the paradise of Amitabh (the Buddha of Infinite Light). The main statue in the sanctuary is that of Maitreya (Jampa), the Buddha of the future. Thangbi Lhakhang serves as the community temple for the village.

Once a year, a festival called Thangbi Mani takes place here in autumn from the 14th to 16th day of the 8th month of the Bhutanese calendar and particularly famous for its fire blessing ceremony. The festival dance performers at this festival are local villagers who are lay-practioners (gomchen).