Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival

Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival is celebrated in Bumthang's Jambay Lhakhang Temple. It is one of the 108 temples built in a single day by Tibetan King Songsten Gampo in the 7th century. Mask dances, known as chams in the native language, are a highlight of the celebration. The Mewang fire ceremony, in which locals rush beneath a flaming gate made of dry grasses, is the festival's most famous event. Meanwhile, the 'Dance of Treasure' – Tercham, where masked dancers and monks perform naked, is the event's climax. This portion of the celebrations takes place in the dead of night. People believe that this dance will bless infertile women to bear children.

Both of these events take place at night on the full moon day. It is thought that passing through the Fire Offering, which is shaped like an arch, will burn away all barriers. Terton Dorji Lingpa initiated the nude dance to reflect the primal wisdom of awareness and emptiness. Simply viewing the naked dance is supposed to give you the confidence to overcome your fears and anxieties.

Location: Bumthang

Date: October/ November