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The Bhutanese are fun loving people, they love socializing, attending festivals, joking, playing, flirting and consuming alcohol that help them to be in the spirit of celebration. Owing to their fun loving nature, throughout the country there are various kinds of festivals that are celebrated in different times of the year. Among these festivals, the most recognized and attended by the mass is Tsechu festival (Tse- Date Chu – Ten). This festival is celebrated to commemorate the great deeds of 8th century Tantric master Guru Padmasambhava who is credited in spreading of Mahayana Buddhism in entire Himalaya region.
These Tsechu festivals are dominated by ancient old religious Mask Dances that are performed by both monks and lay person in brilliant costumes re-enacting the legendary events, accompanied by blaring horns, booming drums, and clashing cymbals as they whirl and leap around the ancient old courtyard of a Dzong (Fortress). Crowds of people gather in their finest hand woven dress, brightly patterned cloth for which Bhutan is renowned, creating an intensely colorful and exciting atmosphere that had remained unchanged in its traditional purity for centuries. Locals believe that by dressing in their finest are another form of offering that could bring them blessings give them an opportunity to please the deities which in return bring them merit, luck and prosperity and also an occasion to see people and to be seen. The dance itself is believed to be the representation of the deities that are encountered during the intermediate period of Death and rebirth. Local
During these festival trips, we traverse through the culturally centered valleys of Bhutan, experiencing the enchantment of pure and exotic land, through its ancient fortresses, monasteries, and temples that dot the country side and have opportunity to witness Bhutan’s rich arts and crafts that transforms into exquisite works of art from the hands of master artisans. Thanks to its isolation, small population, mountainous terrain, and the national religion of Buddhism, which stresses the sanctity of all life, Bhutan has protected its forests and wildlife. As a result, this tiny kingdom, in contrast to all of its neighbors, possesses the last truly intact, large-scale ecosystem in the Himalayas. Protecting not just nature but culture is a huge priority for Bhutan. The Bhutanese people constitute one of the most interesting and least disturbed cultures in the world and are often known as the “Living museum” by its few visitors that make into Bhutan. It is not uncommon to be engaged in discussion by passerby, or to be invited in for lunch by a Bhutanese family. The Bhutanese are often as curious about outsiders as tourists are about them. Over the course of our days in Bhutan, we will immerse ourselves in the country's rich Buddhist culture, ancient traditions and have ample opportunities to interact with the friendly people of Bhutan and learn their philosophy of “GROSS NATIONAL HAPPINESS”. |
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| Far East Mongar Festival (Nov 10 - Nov 22) |
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| In this Mongar Festival Mask Dances are performed by both monks and lay person in brilliant costumes re-enacting the legendary events, accompanied by blaring horns, booming drums, and clashing cymbals as they whirl and leap around the courtyard. During the intervals, young women in their best of dress... |
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| Trongsa Festival (Dec 15 - Dec 26) |
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| Trongsa, situated along a gorge in the heart of the kingdom has a rich history dating back to 16th century. During the year 1541, a saint known as Lam Ngagi Wangchuk built a small retreat house, which was soon followed by many other retreat houses built by his disciples. The surrounding villagers seeing... |
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| Punakha Festival (Feb. 11th – 22nd 2008) |
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| Bhutan had in the past defended its sovereignty
through ways of skillful mediation, war, and other means of
defense strategy. Punakha festival depicts one of such victories,
which have resulted in what Bhutan is today. Our trip coincides
with the sacred pageantry and dance festival... |
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| Paro Festival (March 20th – 31st 2008) |
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| The Bhutanese are fun loving people, they
love socializing, attending festivals, joking, playing, flirting
and consuming alcohol that help them to be in the spirit of
celebration. Owing to their fun loving nature, throughout the
country there are various kinds of festivals that... |
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| Ura Festival (April 12th 23rd 2008) |
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| This trip allows the travelers to enjoy
the daily lives of friendly Bhutanese people by visiting villages,
temples, monasteries, and gigantic fortresses. It gives you
a chance to meet people, enjoy the pristine forest with rare
glimpse of wildlife and observe the ancient old traditions
of arts and crafts... |
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| Bumthang Nimalung Festival (July 04th – 15th 2008) |
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| At this Nimalung Festival Mask Dances are performed by both monks and lay person in brilliant costumes re-enacting the legendary events, accompanied by blaring horns, booming drums, and clashing cymbals as they whirl and leap around the courtyard... |
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| Tamshing Phala Choepa Festival (Oct 03rd – 14th 2008) |
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Our trip coincides with a festival in central part of Bhutan under Bumthang district at Chokhor valley at Tamshing Monastery. At this Tamshing Festival, Mask Dances are performed by both monks and lay person in brilliant costumes re-enacting the legendary eventss... |
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| Jakar Festival Choepa (Nov 02nd – 13th 2008) |
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| At this Jakar Festival, Mask Dances are performed by both monks and lay person in brilliant costumes re-enacting the legendary events, accompanied by blaring horns, booming drums, and clashing cymbals as they whirl and leap around the courtyard... |
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| Year end Trongsa Festival (Jan 03rd – 14th 2009) |
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| The local people in this valley celebrate their annual five-day festival after the harvest during the winter. This festival held in the courtyard of the fortress is one of the popular festivals in Bhutan... |
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