Bhutan Festival Tours-immerse in the culture and traditions of Bhutan

Sept. 15, 2010 - PRLog -- You traveled to Bhutan but unfortunately your trip didn’t coincide with any of these festivals, surely you will return to Bhutan some day and if you are still in the planning phase, check with your tour operator if there is any festival around your travel date.

Tsechus and Dromchoes are basically series of dance dramas performed by monks and lay people wearing the masks of the deities or character they represent. While Tsechus commemorates the biography of Guru Pamasambhava (or Guru Rinponche) who introduced Buddhism in Tibets, Dromchoe dances are dedicated to Yeshe Gonpo (Mahakala) or Palden Lhamo)-the protectorate deities of Bhutan.

The Tsechu and Dromchoe are annual festivals, usually held in the Dzongs, temples and villages. The festival lasts from 3 to 4 days. The first day of the festival is usually ceremonial rituals and prayers done inside the main sanctum of the temple or Dzong and has very little for visitors to see but on the second and third days, the festival goes in full swing with series of mask dances performed out in the courtyard. Dancers wear spectacular costumes made of bright silk and rich brocade, ornate hats or masks which may represent animals, skulls, fearsome deities or the manifestation of Guru Rinpoche. Each festival dance has its own religious significance and interpretation. The festival wraps up with unfurling of giant Thangka painting of Lord Buddha before dawn on the last day. People swarm in to see the giant painting of Buddha and be blessed for the year.
During the festivals, the whole town or streets will be deserted as whole population throng to the festival ground. People from all walks of life come together wearing the best dresses and jewelries. This is the occasion to see others and be seen. There will be fair type of stalls of cloths, foods, handicrafts etc and we will see people picnicking out with foods and drinks. Festivals are the joyous occasion for hard working Bhutanese people to relax, enjoy, celebrate and wish each other. People also believe that by attending the festivals, they gain the spiritual merit, bring good harvest, sound health, prosperity and wellbeing.
The most popular festivals amongst the tourists in Bhutan are of Paro, Punakha, Wangdue, Thimphu and Bumthang valley.

Highland Asia Travel offers some wonderful tours that coincide with the festivals in Thimphu, Paro and Bumthang Valleys. The standard group tours are 10 to 11 days long and cover the major highlights of western and central Bhutan. If you are hoping to attend one of these festivals, you should plan ahead and initiate reservation at least 4-5 months ahead as there are limited flights to Bhutan and also limited accommodations.

Highland Asia Festival Tours 2010/2011

Highlights of Western and Central Bhutan with Paro Tsechu 11 Days from US$ 2050

Grandeur of Bhutan with Bumthang Valley Festivals 12 Days from US$ 2250

Dragon Festival Tour of Bumthang 11 Days US$ 2050
(Internal airfare will be extra)

For more information, please visit http://www.highlandasiatravel.com/destination/bhutan/bhut...

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Highland Asia Travel, Inc is specialized in small group and custom itineraries for adventure travel to Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet and Indian Himalayas.