Bhutan is known for its colorful festivals with mask dances depicting its rich cultural heritage with deep-rooted religious meanings. It is also one of the popular sites for the tourists. Festival takes place through out the year at different times at different place. It is to celebrate and honor the great deeds of those great masters, like the Guru Rimpochhe, Shabdrung Ngawang, Rare masked dances and other rituals are performed. Each dance has its own spiritual importance and is performed by monks or layman.

In traditional Bhutanese belief, attending festival gains merit and deliver from the cycle of birth and rebirth, the ultimate aim of Buddhism. The highlight, in some Tshechus is the viewing of the Thongdrel a huge and sacred Thongdrel unveiled at dawn to bring enlightenment to all those who view it.

The most popular Tshechus for tourists are Thimphu Tshechu, Paro tshechu and Bumthang Tshechu. During the Tshechus the Dzongs come to life with color, music, and many villagers dress in their finest clothes, most beautiful jewelry (passed down from generations). It is the only time for the villagers to take off from their busy farm work to socialize with their relatives and accountancies, with a big picnic, abundant alcohol and food.

Festival Etiquette:
Festivals are religious events and considered sacred. It is a belief that during the festival dance the dancers transform themselves into the deities they represent and they generate spiritual power, which cleanses, purifies and blesses the spectators. Different mask represents different manifestation of the religious masters and their sacredness.

It is a common courtesy to observe certain discipline, not to distract the dancers or forcing through the crowd for photographs. As an eco- traveler it is our responsibility to prevent or minimize any negative impacts on the environment, local community and economy of the destination.  Responsible photography is very much like the responsible travel. Never force an action. Be patient! The most beautiful photographs result from natural action.