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Bhutan is a country of festivals. The most important are the religious dance festivals, known as Tsechus, which are held in different districts, at specific times during the year. The Tsechus are celebrated for three to five days. These festivals which are held in honour of Guru Padsambhava - 'one who was born from lotus flower'. This Indian saint contributed enormously to the diffusion of Tantric Buddhism in the Himalayan regions of Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan etc. around 800 A.D. He is the founder of the Nyingmapa, the 'old school' of Lamaism which still has numerous followers. Dances which have deep religious significance, especially in the tantric context are performed. Some important Dzongs (fortresses) have a festival called Dromche, held in honour of Yeshe Gompo (Mahakala) or Palden Lhama (Mahakali) - the two main protective deities of Bhutan.

Rare masked and sword dances and other rituals are performed in the courtyards and temples of the Dzongs. The origin of most of the dances can be traced beyond the Middle Ages and are only performed once or twice a year. Each dance has its own significance and is performed by monks and villagers dressed in bright costumes.

Many visitors come to Bhutan to witness these festivals held annually throughout the country. The most popular for tourists are those held in Paro during spring, Thimphu and Bumthang in autumn. The Tsechus are important religious festivals and it is believed that by attending them one gains merits and blessings. They are not somber formal religious affairs, but also a yearly social gathering where the people, dressed in all their finery, come together to rejoice. The atsaras (traditional clowns of the Tsechu) add colours and merriment to the festival by their bawdy antics.

FESTIVALS ITNERARIES

1.Ura Festival (9 Nights/10 Days)(APRIL 27 to MAY 01, 2007)

2.Nimalung Festival (9 Nights/10 Days)(JUNE 23 to JUNE 25, 2007)

3.Wangdue Festival (6 Nights/7 Days)(SEPT 19 to SEPT 22, 2007)

4.Thimphu Festival (6 Nights/7 Days)(SEPT 21 to SEPT 23, 2007)

5.Tamshing Phala Festival (09 Nights/10 Days)(SEPT 21 to SEPT 23, 2007)

6.Jambey Lhakhang & Prakhar Festivals (10 Nights/11 Days)(OCT 25 to OCT 29, 2007)

7.Tashigang & Mongar Festivals (14 Nights/15 Days)(NOV 16 to NOV 20, 2007)

8.Punakha Festival (7 Nights/8 Days)(FEB 11 to FEB 15, 2008)

9.Paro Festival (7 Nights/8 Days)(MARCH 7 to APRIL 21, 2008)

10.Ura Festival (9 Nights/10 Days)(APRIL 16 to APRIL 20, 2008)

11.Nimalung Festival (9 Nights/10 Days)(JULY 10 - JULY 12, 2008)

12.Wangdue Festival (6 Nights/7 Days)(OCT 7 - Oct 9, 2008)

13.Thimphu Festival (6 Nights/7 Days)(Oct 9 - Oct 11, 2008)

14.Tamshing Phala Festival (09 Nights/10 Days)(Oct 8 - Oct 10, 2008)

15.Jambey Lhakhang & Prakhar Festivals (10 Nights/11 Days)(Nov 12 - Nov 16, 2008)

16.Tashigang & Mongar Festivals (14 Nights/15 Days)(Dec 4- Dec 8 , 2008)