Brief General Background on Paro Tshechu ( festival)
Paro Tshechu (festival) is one of the biggest religious celebrations of the Bhutanese year. It has been held annually since the 17th century when Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the founder of the state of Bhutan, and the Ponpo Rigzin Nyingpo initiated the festival together with the consecration of Paro Dzong (fortress) in 1644. The 5 day festival is observed in three parts-prefestival rituals a day before the festival, ceremonies are undertaken on the first day inside the Paro Dzong, and the main festivities on the festival ground on the remaining 4 days.
The Tshechu is a festival in honour of Padmasambhava-“one who was born from a lotus flower “, popularly known under the name of ” Guru Rimpoche ” the Precious Teacher. This Indian saint contributed enormously to the diffusion of Tantric Buddhism in the Himalayan region of Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan, etc around 800 A.D. The biography of Guru Rimpoche is highlighted by 12 episodes on the model of the Buddha Shakyamuni’s life. Each episode is commemorated around the year on the 10th day of the month by “the Tshechu “which has become the name of a very popular festival. The dates and the duration of the festival vary from one district to another but they always take a place on or around the 10th day of the month according to the Bhutanese calendar.
Main Highlights of Paro Festival
- Paro Tshechu (festival) is one of the most popular festivals in the country.
- It offers the best opportunity to witness the Bhutanese’s rich culture, history and religion that distinguish the people and country distinctly from rest of the countries.
- Bring you a closer contact with the people and give you an insight into the Bhutanese lives, beliefs and more.
- During Tshechu the dances are performed by monks as well as by laymen.
- The Tshechu is a religious festival and by attending it, it is believed one gains merits.
- It is also a yearly social gathering where the people come together to rejoice dressed in all their finery.
Program List of the 5 Day -Paro Festival
Day 1
- Dance of the Lord of Death and his Consort (Shinje Yab Yum)
- Dance of Lords of Cremations Grounds ( Durdag )
- Dance of Black Hats ( Shanag)
- Dance of Drum from Dramistse (Dramitse Nacham)
- Dance of Eight kinds of Spirits (Degye )
- Religious Song (Chhoeshey)
Day 2
- Dance of the Lord of Death and His Consort (Shinje Yab Yum)
- Dance of Black Hats with Drums (Shanag Nga Cham)
- Dance of three kinds of Ging with Sticks (Gynging)
- Dance of Lord of Cremation Ground (Durdag)
- Dance of three kinds of Ging with Drums (Driging)
- Dance of three kinds of Ging with Drums (Ngaging)
- Dance of Stage and the Hounds (Shawa Shachi) 1st part
Day 3
- Dance of the Lords of the Cremation Grounds (Durdag)
- Dance of Terrifying Deities (Tungam)
- Dance of Heroes with six kinds of Ornaments (Guan Drug Pawo) Kyacham
- Dance of Novel man and Ladies Lencham
- Dance of Stag and Hounds (2nd part) (Shawa Shacha)
Day 4
- Dance of Lord of Death and His Consort (Shinje Yab Yum,)
- Dance of four Stags (Sha Tsam)
- Dance of Judgement of the Dead (Raksha Mangcham)
- Dance of the Drums from Dramitse ( Dramitse Nga Cham)
Day 5
- Early morning the great Thanka (Thongdrol) is shown and Shugdrel Ceremony is performed.
- Dances of the Heroes (Pacham)
- Dance of Ging and Tsholing
- Dance of the Eight Manifestations of Guru Rinpoche (Guru Tshen Gye)
- Dance of the Sixteen Fairies
- Religious Song (Chhoeshey)
Paro Festival Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Paro
Day 2: Paro Tshechu (3rd Day of the Tshechu)
Day 3: A day hike to Taktsang Goempa (Tiger’s Nest Monastery) in Paro
Day 4: Paro Tshechu and Paro-Thimphu ( 54 km, 1 hr)
Day 5:Thimphu Tour
Day 6: Thimphu-Punakha/Wangdue (71 km, 2 1/2 hr)
Day 7: Punakha & Wangdue Tour
Day 8:Punakha/Wangdue-Thimphu ( 71 km, 2 1/2 hrs)
Day 9: Thimphu Tour & Thimphu-Paro
Day 10: Paro Departure
