Jambey Lhakhang Festival
arriving for the festival
The Tshechu is a festival in honour of Padmasambhava, “one who was born from a lotus flower” popularly known under the name of “Guru Rinpoche” the Precious Teacher”. This Indian saint contributed enormously to the diffusion of Tantric Buddhism in the Himalayan regions ofTibet, Nepal, and Bhutan around 800 A.D. He is the founder of the Nyingmapa, the “old School” of Lamaism which still has numerous followers.
the dancers
More Photos of the Festival Dancers
The biography of Guru Rinpoche is highlighted by 12 episodes on the model of the Buddha Shakyamuni’s life. Each episode is commemorated around the year on the 10th day of the month “the Tshechu” which has become the name of a very popular festival. The dates and the duration of the festivals vary from one district to another but they always take place on or around the 10th day of month in the Bhutanese calendar.
banners
During Tshechus, the dances are performed by monks as well as by laymen. The Tshechu is a religious festival and by attending it, it is believed one gains merits.
official
"Grand Marshall" ?
It is also a yearly social gathering where the people come to rejoice together, dressed in all their finery.
the audience
More Photos of the Festival Grounds
The Thimphu Tshechu was established by the 4th Temporal Ruler, Tenzing Rabgye (1638-1696) in 1670 on the 8th month of the Bhutanese calendar to commemorate the birth of Guru Rinpoche.
Dance Masks
More Photos of the Dance Masks
The Ceremonies
penis is an important symbol
More Photos of the Penis Ceremony
at the end of the first day, the Mecham, dance of the fire
