Bhutan Tourism Video | Bhutan Festival Series | Thimphu Tshechu

Today, we are sharing our Bhutan tourism and festival series, taking you on a journey to Bhutan. The Thimphu Tsechu is one of the grandest of Bhutan’s festivals and attracts the largest audience. A Tsechu is a religious festival in honour of Guru Padmasambhava, the saint who brought Buddhism to Bhutan. The Thimphu Tsechu, held in the capital city of Bhutan, was initiated by the 4th Temporal Ruler, Desi Tenzing Rabgye, in 1670, and has been held annually since then, on the 10th day of the 8th lunar month, in early October. Tsechus over the centuries, have come to signify the well-being of the local populace. This is an opportunity to offer thanks for a bountiful year that was and prayers for good health and prosperity in the coming year. Religious ceremonies and rituals are conducted days ahead of the actual dances and hence all who witness them are blessed. The hypnotic dances, in tune to the clash of cymbals and beating of drums each tell a story of victory of good over evil and peaceful coexistence, that we may live full and meaningful lives. Great masters choreographed these performances in honour of the guardian deities represented by their masks and these ancient dances are also a means of imparting dharma teachings to the people in a form that is both entertaining and meaningful. Some of these dances are so sacred that only the highest-ranking monks may perform them. Thus the festival features dances performed by monks and laymen, clad in ancient masks and costumes, blessed by the great Buddhist masters, and both foreigners and locals alike, throng to the already packed celebration grounds to receive their blessings. For the visitor, thus also provide the best opportunity to witness locals in their finest attire in celebration of their culture and faith. The festival is also a great social event and offers a break from the daily lives of the local populace and an opportunity for people from all walks of life to come together in celebration. In keeping with this centuries-old spiritual tradition, families bring picnic lunches and eat together near the festival grounds. For many years, the culture was isolated from the rest of the world, but now, many travelers find that Bhutan is a great travel destination. In the past, Bhutan was one of the poorest countries in Asia, but now it has one of the world's fastest-growing economies. Bhutan is very safe, and the crime rate is very low. Both petty crime and violent crime are very rare and uncommon. Tourists who want to visit Bhutan are required to have a visa and must book their holiday through a Bhutanese tour operator. We would be happy to help you plan your next holiday to Bhutan! If you enjoyed today’s Bhutan tourism and travel documentary video vlog, taking you on a journey to Bhutan, including Tigers Nest Monastery and Paro airport, please remember to like, share and subscribe. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please share it in the comment section below. Thank you for joining us, and we hope to see you here again soon! Directed & Filmed by Parco of Third Eye Media (Thimphu) Voice by Sadon Lhamo Produced by Druk Asia #bhutan​ #bhutantravel​ #bhutantourism