Druk Wangyel Tshechu
The only Bhutanese festival where mask dances are performed by the Royal Bhutan Army rather than monks, held each December 13th at Dochula Pass.
About the Festival
Druk Wangyel Tshechu is held annually on December 13th at Druk Wangyel Lhakhang, on Dochula Pass roughly 22km from Thimphu. Established in 2011, it commemorates Bhutan's 2003 military victory and honors the leadership of the Fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, and his soldiers. The 108 stupas at the site were built under the direction of Her Majesty the Queen Mother to mark the triumph.
Cultural Significance
Druk Wangyel is the only Bhutanese festival where the mask dances are performed by the Royal Bhutan Army instead of monks and laymen, alongside cultural presentations from the Royal Academy of Performing Arts. Many dances depict the armed forces' struggles and victories against evil, bringing citizens together to celebrate shared heritage and national identity.