Trashiyangtse Tshechu – A cultural and religious celebration at the historic Trashiyangtse Dzong atop panoramic riverside ridges

One of the newest districts in the country, Trashiyangtse was created in 1992 when Trashiyangtse district was split off from Trashigang. Span over an area of 1,437 sq. km of sub-tropical and alpine forests, with altitude ranging from 1750-1880m, the exotic Trashiyangtse district is blessed with rich atural, cultural and historical resources. Home to some of country’s important protected areas, Trashiyangtse contains Kulong Chhu Wildlife Sanctary, which itself is part of larger Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary.

Perched on a steep ridge which rises from the confluence of the two rivers, Dongdi chu and Kholong chu, the new Trashiyangtse Dzong was sanctified in 2005 and since then have been venue of Trashiyangtse Tshechu. In past, the festival was being held at Dongdey Dzong, which in the old Trashiyangtse Dzong, located 5 km away from heart of town.

Celebrated at Trashiyangtse Dzong, thousands of people gather at the courtyard of the Dzong to witness the district’s biggest festival. The monks perform various mask dances during the three-day festival and all such dances are purely defined in religious content. In between these mask dances, villagers and school children showcase the folk songs and dances of the region to entertain festival spectators. Trashiyangtse Tshechu concludes with unfurling of Guru Tshengye thongdroel (painted or embroidered scroll).