BHUTAN FESTIVAL
1 days
1 nights
GRADE Easy
Bhutan
BHUTAN FESTIVAL
A major determining factor for choosing a time to visit Bhutan, which may override considerations of weather patterns, is the festival schedule. These colourful events offer a first-hand glimpse of Bhutanese life and provide an opportunity to see the inside of the great dzongs. The religious festivals are considered as the most important event in the Bhutanese calendar. The Domchoes and tshechus (means tenth day) are major ones held annually at the big monasteries and dzongs (enormous fortresses) all over the country which attract a huge crowd from far and wide.
During such festivals dances known as chams are performed by monks and laymen who are in a state of meditation, to bless the onlookers, to teach Buddhist dharma, to protect them from misfortune, to exorcise all evils. These masked dancers who take on the aspects of wrathful and compassionate deities, heroes, demons and animals represents the symbol of protection.
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It is believed that a spiritual power is generated, which cleanses, purifies, enlightens and blesses the spectators. Bhutanese consider attending religious festivals an opportunity to be completely immersed in religion thereby gain merit. It is also an occasions for social events-meeting, seeing, social exchanges, men and women flirting.
Another interesting sight is the masked Clowns known as atsaras who often carries large wooden phalluses—entertain the crowds with their weird antics, mimics and jokes, and the only one permitted to mock religion in a society where religious matters are treated with highest respect.
Festival Etiquette
Festival (Tshechu) is religious ceremonies held on consecrated ground. Thus, one must adhere to respectful conduct during the festival times.
The dancers are in a state of meditation as they are assuming the personas of the deities, which they are representing. The dancer blesses the witnesses and also instructs them. One should not drink, or smoke, or talk loudly or laugh inappropriately. However, photography is permitted but care should be taken so as not to intrude upon the dancers’ space as well as respect local sentiment. Common courtesy should rule one’s actions when photographing the dancers or onlookers.
Festivals are not entertainment nor is it held as tourist attraction. They are a religious tradition, which outsiders are at present allowed to attend. In order to maintain the policy of tourists being allowed to view the festivals proper conduct of behaviour would be appreciated.
Dress Code
This is one occasion where all Bhutanese will be in dressed in their finest attire, thus visitors should be dressed with due sensitivity. Inside the Dzongs and monasteries, hats are not permitted as a rule of thump. Full sleeved shirts and full trouser would suffice for men, the same or dress for women. Ties are not necessary, while jackets are optional.
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