Bhutan Festival Date 2025. Bhutan, a small landlocked country nestled in the Himalayas, is renowned worldwide for its vibrant and captivating festivals. These cultural extravaganzas, known as “tsechus,” hold immense significance in the hearts of the Bhutanese people and are celebrated throughout the year. Here’s a brief overview of Bhutan’s festivals:
Bhutanese festivals, or tsechus, are joyous and spirited occasions that foster a sense of unity and togetherness within communities. Primarily rooted in religious beliefs, the tsechus pay homage to Guru Rinpoche, the revered 8th-century Buddhist master who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan. Moreover, these festivals serve as commemorations of significant historical events and legendary tales associated with Buddhism.
The highlight of these festivals is the performance of traditional masked dances called “cham.” Firstly, dancers, dressed in elaborate costumes and colourful masks, portray various deities, demons, and historical figures. Additionally, these dances tell stories from Bhutanese mythology and serve to educate and entertain the audience. Moreover, the mask dances are accompanied by traditional music, chanting, and the beating of drums.
In addition to the mask dances, tsechus features various other activities. Firstly, the unfurling of religious thangkas (scroll paintings) takes place, captivating the audience with their intricate designs. Secondly, archery competitions, traditional games, and vibrant displays of Bhutanese sports add to the festive atmosphere. Moreover, the offering of prayers and blessings by Buddhist monks brings a sense of spirituality and reverence to the occasion.
These festivals provide not only entertainment but also serve deeper purposes. Firstly, they offer an opportunity for people to receive blessings, accumulate merit, and strengthen their spiritual connection. Secondly, attending a Bhutanese festival grants visitors a unique cultural experience and a precious glimpse into the country’s rich heritage. These festivals are not mere spectacles; they are an integral part of Bhutanese identity, reflecting the deep-rooted faith and devotion of its people. They symbolize the preservation and promotion of Bhutan’s unique cultural traditions, contributing to the overall happiness and well-being of the nation.
| Festival Dates for 2026 | Places where festival is Celebrated | Date of Festival |
| Lhamozing Dromchen | Trongsa Dzong | 22nd February to 24th February 2026 |
| Punakha Dromchoe | Punakha Dzong | 24th to 26th February 2026 |
| Punakha Tshechu | Punakha Dzong,Punakha | 27th,28th Feb to 1st March 2026 |
| Tharpaling Thongdrel | Tharpaling Temple, Chumi, Bumthang | 3rd March 2026 |
| Tangsibi Mani Festival | Tangsibi Lhakhang,Ura Bumthang | 4th to 6th March 2026 |
| Chortenkora Festival | Chortenkora,Tashiyangtse | 3rd March and 19th March 2026 |
| Gomphukora festival | Gomphukora Lhakhang,Trashiyangtse | 26th t0 28th March 2026 |
| Talo Festival | Talo Goenpa, Punakha | 26th march to 28th March 2026 |
| Gasa Tshechu | Gasa Dzong, Gasa | 26th to 28th March |
| Zhengang Tshechu | Zhemgang Dzong, Zhemgang | 26th march to 28th March 2026 |
| Paro Tshechu | Rinpung Dzong, Paro | 29th March to 2nd April 2026 |
| Rhododendron Festival | Lamperi Botanical Park,Thimphu | 13th and 14th April |
| Domkhar Tshechu | Domkhar Chumi, Bumthang | 26th to 28th April 2026 |
| Ura Yakchoe Festival | Ura Lhakhang, Bumthang | 28th April to 2nd May 2026 |
| Nimalung Festival | Nimalung Dratshang, Chumi, Bumthang | 22nd June to 24th June 2026 |
| Kurjey Tshechu | Kurjey Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang | 24th June 2026 |
| Tour of the Dragon (Mountain Bike Race) | Bumthang to Thimphu Ride | 5th September 2026 |
| Thimphu Drubchen | Tashichhodzong, Thimphu | 17th September 2026 |
| Haa Tshechhu | Lhakhang Karpo, Haa | 19th to 21st September 2026 |
| Wangdi Tshechhu | Wangdiphodrang | 19th to 21st September 2026 |
| Tamshing Phala Chhoepa | Tamshing Lhakhang, Bumthang | 21st to 23rd September 2026 |
| Thimphu Tshechhu | Tashichhodzong, Thimphu | 21st to 23rd September 2026 |
| Gangtey Tshechhu | Gangtey Goenpa Wangdiphodrang | 24th to 26th September 2026 (Thongdrel on the last Day) |
| Thangbi Mewang | Thangbi Lhakhang, Choekhor Bumthang | 26th to 27th September 2026 |
| Pemagatshel Tshechu | Pemagatshel Dzong | 18th to 21st October 2026 (Thongdrel on the last Day) |
| Jomolhari Mountain Festival | Dangochong, Thimphu | 14th to 15th October 2026 |
| Chukha Festival | Chukha Dzong, Chukha | 19th to 21st October 2026 |
| Dechenphu Tshechu | Dechenphu Lhakhang, Thimphu | 21st October 2026 |
| Jakar Tshechu | Jakar Dzong, Choekor Dzong Bumthang | 18th to 21st October 2026 |
| Jambhay Lhakhang Drup | Jambhay Lhakhang, Choekhor Bumthang | 26th to 29th October 2026 |
| Prakhar Duchhoed | Prakhar Lhakahng, Humi Bumthang | 27th to 29th October 2026 |
| Black Necked Crane Festival | Gangtey Goenpa, Phobjikha Wangdiphodrang | 11th November (fixed date) |
| Goenpai Drubchen | Trongsa dzong | 14th to 16th November 2026 |
| Mongar Tshechu | Mongar dzong, Mongar | 17th to 19th November |
| Trashigang Tshechu | Trashigang Dzong, Trashigang | 18th to 20th November 2026 |
| Phuntsholing Tshechu | Phuntsholing Chukha | 17th to 19th November 2026 |
| Jambhay Lhakhang Singye Chham | Jambhay Lhakhang, Choekhar, Bumthang | 24th November |
| Nalakhar Tshechu | Ngaa Lhakhang, Choekhar, Bumthang | 24th to 26th November 2026 |
| Druk Wangyel Tshechhu | Dochula Thimphu | 13th December 2026 |
| Trongsa Tshechu | Trongsa Dzong | 17th to 21st December (Thongdrel on the last Day) |
| Lhuentse Tshechhu | Lhuentse Dzong, Lhuense | 17th to 21st December 2026 (thongdrel on the last Day) |
| Samdrupjongkhar Tsechhu | Samdrupjongkhar | 22nd to 24th December 2026 |
| Nabji Lhakhang Drup | Nabji Lhakhang, Nabji, Trongsa | 24th to 26th December 2026 |
