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The State
religion is Drukpa Kagyupa a branch of Mahayana Buddhism.
Bhutan is the only country in the world to retain the
Tantric form of Mahayana Buddhism (Drukpa Kagyu) as
its official religion. The Buddhist faith has played
and continues to play a fundamental role in the cultural,
ethical and sociological development of Bhutan and its
people.
Annual festivals (tsechus and dromches) are spiritual
occasions in each district. They bring together the
population and are dedicated to the Guru Rinpoche or
other deities. Throughout Bhutan, chortens (receptacle
for offerings) and stupas line the roadside commemorating
places where Guru Rinpoche or another high Lama may
have stopped to meditate. Prayer flags dot the hills,
fluttering in the wind. They allow Bhutanese people
to maintain constant communication with the heavens.
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Festivals
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There are many festivals held at different
locations at different times of the year.
The best known of the festivals are "Tshechus"
which are celebrated in honour of Guru Padmasambhava
commemorating his great deeds. Popularly known
as "Guru Rimpoche".
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Guru Padmasambhava is founder of the Nyingmapa,
the old school of Lamaism, which still has numerous
followers. The biography of Guru is highlighted
by 12 episodes on the model of Buddha Shakyamuni's
life.
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"Tshechu" which has become the name
of very popular festival commemorate each
episode around the year on the 10th day of
the month. The dates and the duration of festival
vary from one place to another but they all
take place on or around 10th day of the month
according to Bhutanese calendar.
The occasion calls for dances that are clearly
defined in religious content. Both monks as
well as laymen take part in these dances which
are performed in a similar manner at each
of the Tshechus
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Certain Tshechus end with the worship of a
huge applique Thangkha representing Guru Rimpoche
and his eight manifestations. It is called
'THONGDROEL' and is believed that simply by
viewing it people can be delivered from the
cycle of reincarnations.
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The Bhutanese people attach great importance
to festivals, which allow them to become immersed
in their religion and gain merit, and it is
because of this importance that the festivals
are so well preserved. These events are also
a time for the local people to socialize, to
laugh, to joke with their neighbors and acquaintances,
to dress in their finest clothes and jewelry,
to eat well and generally to have good time.
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Below
given is a list of festivals and their location.
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Name
of the Festivals
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Location
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| 1.
Punakha Dromche |
Punakha |
| 2.
Chorten Kora Tshechu |
Tashigang |
| 3.
Gom Kora Tshechu |
Tashigang |
| 4.
Chukha Tshechu |
Chukha |
| 5.
Paro Tshechu |
Paro |
| 6.
Ura Yakchoe |
Bumthang |
| 7.
Khurje Tshechu |
Bumthang |
| 8.
Nimulung Tshechu |
Bumthang |
| 9.
Thimphu Tshechu |
Thimphu |
| 10.
Wangdi Tshechu |
Wangdiphodrang |
| 11.
Tamshing Phala Choepa |
Bumthang |
| 12.
Tangbi Mani |
Bumthang |
| 13.
Jambay Lhakhang Drup |
Bumthang |
| 14.
Jakar Tshechu |
Bumthang |
| 15.
Tashigang Tshechu |
Tashigang |
| 16.
Mongar Tshechu |
Mongar |
| 17.
Tongsa Thsechu |
Tongsa |
| 18.
Lhuntse Tshechu |
Lhuntse |
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