At various times of the year, Bhutanese poeple in towns and villages congragate to observe the mask dance festivals, know as Tsechus. These colorful evetns draw thousands of locals, some of whom walk for days in order to attend. While the underlying purpose is spiritual, dances are more often like plays in which gord triumphs over evil or depict significant historical events, especially surrounding the life of Bhutan's patron saint, Padmasambhava ( Guru Rinpoche).
There is inevitably a great deal of socializing; it is an opportunity for people to meet, relax and forget the daily routine, todress in their fienst dresses and jewelry but, more importantly, it is an occassion for prayer and blessings.The festivals are one of the manyfascinations that lure the tourists to go to Bhutan. But be warned, these festivals are genuine manifestations of religious traditions and by no means held as tourist attractions. |
