Thimphu Drubchen - The festival held a day before the main Thimphu Tshechu in order to appease protecting deities of Bhutan and to set the stage for main festival that follows for the next 3 days

Three days prior to its main Tshechu (festival), Thimphu also celebrates a one-day, sacred festival known as ‘Thimphu Drubchen’.  The origin of this day long festival dates back to 17th century and was first introduced by Kuenga Gyeltshen in 1710, who was recognized as the reincarnation of Jampel Dorji, son of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

Celebrated at Trashichhoedzong, Thimphu Drubchen includes sacred mask dances dedicated to appeasing the protective deity of Bhutan, Pelden Lhamo. According to legend, Pelden Lhamo appeared before Kuenga Gyeltshen and performed the dances while he was in meditation. Based on these dances, Kuenga Gyeltshen initiated the Drubchen.

Thimphu Drubchen is an important religious event for locals who in their best and colourful traditional attire gather at Traschichhoedzong to witness day long religious ceremonies & performances, and gain merit.