Wangdue Tshechu
An annual three-day festival in Wangduephodrang, introduced by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, famous for the Dance of the Ox.
September / October
About the Festival
Wangdue Tshechu is an annual three-day religious festival held in Wangduephodrang, attended by people from Punakha and Thimphu as well as locals. It was introduced by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal after the completion of the dzong, and holds deep religious importance in Bhutanese Buddhist tradition.
Cultural Significance
The festival's signature attraction is the Raksha Mangcham, also known as the Dance of the Ox. It concludes with a significant spiritual moment: the unfurling of the Guru Tshengye Thongdrol, a giant religious scroll painting, where people throng to receive blessings.