Thimphu Drubchen
A one-day sacred masked dance festival honoring Palden Lhamo, Bhutan's protecting deity, held at Tashichho Dzong days before Thimphu Tshechu.
September Thimphu
About the Festival
The Thimphu Drubchen (Dromchoe) is a one-day sacred festival featuring masked dances honoring Palden Lhamo, the protecting deity of Bhutan. The celebration commemorates visions experienced by Kuenga Gyeltshen in 1710, and takes place at Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu, roughly three days before Thimphu Tshechu.
Cultural Significance
The dance movements are intended as an invocation to the gods to bless attendees, send good luck, and drive away evil spirits. Residents from across the country attend in traditional dress to witness the ritualistic performances, which are central to Bhutanese Buddhist spiritual practice.