Punakha Drubchen and Tshechu Festival

The Punakha Tshechu, held in Punakha Dzong, is the most unique Tshechus in the country. This is one of the famous festivals in Bhutan. This event is taken place just after the well-known Punakha Drubchen. The Punakha Tshechu was established in 2005 in response to the Punakha District Administration's desire to hold a ceremony to preserve Buddhist teachings. The festival's major feature is the unfolding of Guru Rinpoche's thongdrol (huge tapestry). An observer is said to be liberated and cleansed of his sins only by seeing the thongdrol. The festival lasts for more than five days.

This celebration is about recreating key pivotal incidents and moments from the 17th-century Tibetan Army struggle. Local military personnel dress up in full battle attire, replete with swords, and recreate and re-enact the scenes. It's to commemorate the triumph and honor the villagers who stepped out to drive the Tibetan army out of their homeland. The festival’s purpose is to express gratitude to these individuals, without whom Tibet would have been unable to conquer Bhutan. Tourists are normally not permitted to participate in this enactment.

Location: Punakha Dzong

Date: February/ March