Wangduephodrang Tshechu - The Buddhist festival introduced in 16th century celebrated with lively display of symbolic sacred dances, Buddhist rituals and many other cultural performances

Festival month: September / October I Festival location: Tencholing Army Ground, Wangdue Phodrang

The annual Wangduephodrang Tshechu was introduced by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal after he built Wangduephodrang Dzong in 1638. The Wangdue Dzong razed down by fire in 2012 and its currently under restoration so for the time being the festival is organized at Tencholing Army Ground. The Tshechu features dances by monks and laymen and concludes with the unfurling of the Guru Tshengye Thongdroel where people throng to receive blessings. The Tshechu is particularly famous for the Raksha Mangcham or the Dance of the Ox. Wangduephodrang festival is well attended by people from Punakha and Thimphu as well and provides an occasion for merrymaking and revelry.

(Photo credit : Wangduephodrang Dzongkhag Administration’)