I truuuuly love Bhutan and its people. It’s a magical destination where very special things happen. For example, during several of tours we’ve run into the royal family, including one where we met and spoke with the King and Queen (the day after their wedding, no less!).
Hiking to Tiger’s Nest often brings tears to people’s eyes for its shear beauty.
In April, I’ll be leading our women-only tour to Bhutan which includes one of the country’s most popular events, the Paro Festival (or tsechu as the Bhutanese call it).
Tsechus are large gatherings held throughout the country. People from surrounding villages, dressed in their finest clothes, walk for miles to attend.
While you may not cry at the Paro Festival, it is still quite a special event. Some of the bigger tsechus like this one are popular amongst tourists, but they really are meant for the Bhutanese. In other words, they are not simply for show. Instead, they are an important part of the culture – not only bringing people together from far off communities but by helping preserve their long lineage of dance, music and religion.
One of the most special activities of the Bhutan Paro Festival is the unfurling of the country’s largest thongdrel (also called a thangka or banner). This ancient tapestry (pictured above) is kept locked away in the Paro Dzong (monastery) and only displayed once a year during festival time. As a matter of fact, the unfurling happens in the middle of the night – usually around three or four in the morning – so that sunlight doesn’t strike it, potentially causing damage.
When I attended last year, it had rained on the thongdrel during the unfurling and therefore it had to be left hanging in the daylight so that it would dry out before being rolled up again. Being able to view it during the day was a unique and auspicious occasion for locals and tourists.
With thousands of Bhutanese sitting and standing on the outskirts of the courtyard, dancers come and go, telling stories through their movements. The men are usually masked while the women form a line and sing haunting tunes that are traditionally sung while they work the fields or when doing other tasks. These songs are sung to this day, not just during festival time.
Monks occupy a raised stand on one side of the courtyard and play horns (not very musical ones, I humbly add). You’ve probably heard the drone of Buddhist horns before – picture that.
All in all, it’s very special to see how important the Paro Festival is to the local people. So much so that the King usually makes an appearance (I’ve seen him twice here).
While it isn’t necessary, you might consider wearing the national dress (for women it’s a kira, for men it’s a gho) to the Paro Festival. We were lucky on one of our trips to have endeared the staff of our hotel enough that they dressed us in their traditional clothes so that we could look nearly as stunning as the locals!
You’re sold now, aren’t you?
Want to join me in April? Here are the deets:
Dates: April 5 – 16, 2014
Cost: $4,295 plus air
Find the full itinerary here.
See you in Bhutan!
Travel Well,
Laura @Travelocafe says
Thank for introducing the Bhutan Paro Festival to us.
Rambow from Romancing The Planet says
Have been to a festival at Trashi Chhoe Dzong. The masked monk dances were the highlight. This place could have existed only in my dreams.
Beth Whitman says
It’s pretty spectacular indeed!
Purva Bhatia says
lovely write up! I have been dreaming about Bhutan for years…the trip hasn’t happened as yet. Waiting for the happy country to call me soon!