Fairs and Festivals You Must See in Bhutan
A land of prosperity and happiness, Bhutan is a country of pristine beauty and captivating heritage. From famous tourist destinations to popular fairs and festivals in Bhutan, each aspect of the country is equally enthralling. Cultural tourism in Bhutan is a major contributor to the travel sector in Bhutan. Although the natural beauty is what attracts tourists to Bhutan, we suggest you explore the cultural and heritage here with these festivals and fairs. Since you might be wondering how to find out about these festivals and fairs, we have curated a list of top 10 festivals in Bhutan you must see for an amazing stay in the land of happiness.
Punakha Drubchen, PunakhaRecommended Tours
Narrating the tales of the history of Bhutan, the glorious cultural festival of Punakha Drubchen is a celebration of the country’s victory over the invading neighbouring forces of Tibet. Celebrating the unification of Bhutan as a nation, the festive events reenact the scenes from the fights of Bhutan and Tibet. With no formal Bhutan army, locals came forward to ward off the attacks from Tibet. The locals militias now dress up as the soldiers of that time and enact the battle scenes. Starting as a celebration of Bhutan’s victory, today this festival is an annual event, celebrated with great pride and joy. Also, the winter home of Chief Abbott Je Khenpo of Bhutan, Punakha is one of the must-visit places to visit in Bhutan.
Attraction of the festival:
Reenactment of the battle between Bhutan and Tibet is the biggest attraction of this famous festival in Bhutan. With locals militia dressing up as Bhutanese warriors from the battle between Bhutan and Tibet, the event is an excellent option to witness the glorious history of the country.
Reenactment of the battle between Bhutan and Tibet is the biggest attraction of this famous festival in Bhutan. With locals militia dressing up as Bhutanese warriors from the battle between Bhutan and Tibet, the event is an excellent option to witness the glorious history of the country.
Dates: 12-14 February 2019
Location: Punakha
Location: Punakha
Gomphu Kora Festival, Trashigang
A festival like none other in Bhutan, Gomphu Kora Festival is of prime importance to the locals of Trashigang. To understand the significance of the festival, we need to understand the legend behind the festival. The tale of the Ghompha goes back to 8th century when Guru Padmasambhava meditated in the cave for three days to vanquish the evil that was hiding in the cave. The word Ghompha means meditation cave and Kora means circumambulation. The name refers to the cave formed of a rock-face, which is next to a temple built as a tribute. During the festival, the devotees take a trip around the cave and the festival marks the victory of good over evil.
Attraction of the festival:
The trip around the cave is the major attraction on the festival. During the festival, the entire area gets lively and people flock to the site in the traditional finery to offer prayers to Guru Padmasambhava and seek his blessings.
The trip around the cave is the major attraction on the festival. During the festival, the entire area gets lively and people flock to the site in the traditional finery to offer prayers to Guru Padmasambhava and seek his blessings.
Dates: 14-16 March 2019
Location: Trashigang
Location: Trashigang
Paro Tshechu, Paro
One of the most popular cultural events in Bhutan, Paro Tshechu is a big cultural celebrations during springtime. Celebrated in the city of Paro, the festival witnesses thousands of locals and tourists gathering around the courtyard of the Dzong to celebrate the deeds of Guru Rinpoche. Marked by the masked dance performed by lamas and laymen, the festival is meant to thank deities for their blessings. A must-see during every Bhutan tour, Paro Tshechu allows tourists to have an insight into the vibrant culture of Bhutan. At the end of the festival a four-storey high Buddhist religious scroll(thangkha) is unrolled. The scroll is said to be more than 350 years old.
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