Bhutanese culture, as espoused through its festivals, art, architecture, textiles, and sport is both vibrant and ancient. It is the propagation of what has been preserved through the centuries. Whether it is the village houses or the mighty fortresses housing district administration and the monk body, every structure emanates Bhutan’s unique cultural integrity. One of the biggest drawcards for travelers is the annual religious festivals, which is also locally known as Tshechu. People from all corners of the country attend the festivities in their finest attires decorated with valuable jewels and ornaments. As much as festivals display the rich cultural and religious history of Bhutan, they are also a means for people to parade their collections of Bhutanese textile. Families gather and feast on elaborate packed lunches, picnicking in circles splayed out around the monasteries.

What appears as a gala fest of mask dances and people in bright attire is actually one of profound religious significance to the Bhutanese. These festivals are enactments of the teachings of Padmasambhava or Guru Rinpoche, devised centuries ago so that the laity would understand. To attend the festival is to be blessed. Among the solemn mask dancers, you will spot certain ones mingling with the crowds conjuring laughter. These are the Atsaras, the Bhutanese clowns. The timing of the festivals has also been set ingeniously after the harvest so that people can celebrate a year of hard work on the farm.