Asian Geographic - 01.01.2018

79

WHEN

September 19–21, 2018

WHERE

Thimphu

HOW

Taxis are available in Thimphu, but

the drivers rarely use the meters, so

haggle upfront

DOS AND DON’TS

• Do dress modestly and take off hats
  and sunglasses in religious places


• Don’t smoke in public

EXPERIENCE

THIMPHU TSECHU

Tsechus, or festivals, in Bhutan are
held in honour of Guru Rinpoche,
the man who introduced the country
to Buddhism in the 8th century. The
festival of Thimphu Tsechu is attended
by thousands of Bhutanese, who travel
overnight from neighbouring districts to
the capital. Early versions of the festival
involved a series of sacred dances by
monks. Later, more dances, colourful
masks, and elaborate costumes were
added. These theatrical dances, paired
with drums and cymbals, often depict
a theme, such as Shaw Shachi (Dance
of the Stags) or Guru Tshengye (The
Eight Manifestations of Guru). These
dances are held in the courtyard of
the Tashichho dzong, a building that
houses the district government, the
king’s throne room, and the religious
administration headquarters.

The three-day festival also features

jesters, or atsaras, wearing red masks

with huge noses and maniacal grins.

Their dancing is believed to entrance

evil forces and protect the Bhutanese.

Sometimes, atsaras perform skits

about health and social awareness.

Many Bhutanese see the festival

as a break from rural life, and the

opportunity to celebrate, pray

and gather family and friends. It

is also believed that watching the

performance will grant blessings on

the audience. As a result, the dzong is

swollen with spectators wearing their

finest clothes, with some camping

overnight to secure a good spot. Other

locations have since been constructed

for those who cannot fit into Tashichho,

with ethnic folk dances performed by

the Royal Academy of Performing Arts.

FESTIVAL MUST-SEE: THIMPHU TSECHU

Bhutan

BHUTAN

Thimphu