Wangdue Tshechu

The Wangdue Tshechu festival is held in Wangdue Phodrang and is observed for three days in the autumn season. The festival is well known for the Raksha mangcham or the dance of Ox. Many different kinds of mask dances are performed during the festival. It concludes with theunfurling of the Guru Tshegye Thongdrel.

Wangdi Festival, also known as the Wangdi Tsechu, is an annual religious festival that takes place in Wangdue Phodrang, a district in central Bhutan. The festival is held to honor Guru Rinpoche, also known as Padmasambhava, who is believed to have brought Buddhism to Bhutan.

During the Wangdi Festival, locals dress up in their traditional attire and gather at the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, a majestic fortress-like monastery. The festival begins with the unfurling of the thongdrel, a large religious scroll that is believed to bestow blessings on those who see it.

The highlight of the Wangdi Festival is the Cham dance, a series of sacred mask dances performed by monks and laypeople. The Cham dance is believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to those who witness it.

Other festivities include the traditional archery competition, where participants use handmade bows and arrows to display their archery skills, and the display of sacred relics and statues.

Food is also an important part of the Wangdi Festival, and visitors can enjoy traditional Bhutanese dishes like Ema Datshi, a spicy cheese and chili dish, and Ara, a traditional Bhutanese alcoholic drink made from fermented rice.

Overall, the Wangdi Festival is a beautiful and colorful celebration of Bhutanese culture and spirituality, and it offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich traditions of Bhutan firsthand.