Annual Paro Tsechu

One of the most revered and important events is the Paro Tsechu (11th to 15th day of the 2nd month of the Bhutanese calendar every year). The Tshechu begins (10th day of the 2nd month of the Bhutanese calendar) and ends (16th day of the 2nd month of the Bhutanese calendar) from Dzongdrakha monastery above Bondey. Paro Tshechu is also one of the most popular festivals in the country.

People from all over the country flock into the festival premises in their best dresses to witness and get blessings during the five day Tshechu. Tourists from far and wide add to both the number and variety of people attending the Tshechu. Various Mask Dances and Folk Dances are performed both by the monks and the laymen from the community. 

The main highlight and attraction of the Tsechu is the unfurling of the giant Guru Thongdrel (Liberation by the sight of it) on the 5th day of the Tshechu, is a masterpiece of silver embroidery of Guru Rinpoche’s eight manifestations and two consorts. Even people from other districts travel to Paro to witness and get blessings from the Thongdrel. 

The Thongdrel is brought from the Dzong in a religious ceremonial procession to the Tshechu ground at Deyangkha and unfurled at 3 am which covers the entire three storied building. After the completion of rituals and blessings, the Thongdrel is furled and taken back to the Dzong before sunrise.