AUGUST 30 – SEPTEMBER 4
SEPTEMBER 11–
Bhutan
Tsechu (Bhutanese for the “tenth day”) signifies
the tenth day of the Bhutanese lunar calendar,
when religious Bhutanese festivals are held all
over the countr y. Thumpu Tsechu is the largest
among these, and features traditional Cham
dancing and colour ful costumes – complete
with animal masks. The festival celebrates
the bir thday of Bhutan’s patron saint,
Padmasambhava, who introduced Buddhism
to the countr y.Makkah, Saudi Arabia
This annual gathering sees Muslims from all
around the world make a sacred pilgrimage
called Hajj, gathering at the great Mosque of
Makkah. From the millions of applications made
to visit Makkah, the Saudi government selects
just two million a year. In Islamic teaching, the
Kaaba – the building that sits at the hear t
of Makkah – was built by Abraham around
2000BCE. In 603CE, the Prophet Mohammed
embarked with his followers on the first-ever
Hajj, and dedicated the site to Allah.THIMPU TSECHU
HAJJ
Myanmar
The Taung Byone spirit festival is the biggest
celebration of its kind in Myanmar. Nat means
“spirit” in Burmese. Worshippers pay their
respects to the Shwe Hpyin brothers, who
defeated an invading army commanded by a
Chinese king. After the defeat, a pagoda was
built in Taung Byone, but it was two bricks shor t
when it was completed – a mistake for which
Min Gyi and Min Lay were blamed, and then
killed. The brothers are honoured today through
this rowdy festival.AUGUST 23–30 TAUNG BYONE NAT FESTIVAL
No.46 Issue 477