Festivals are held in all districts, it is usually perform in the Dzongs(fortresses) or at monasteries in honour of Guru Rinpoche, the saint who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century. Festivals are also occasion where Bhutanese people dress in their finest ethnic costumes.

The Tsechus are a rich from of oral history traditional where the Bhutanese pass on values, mythology and spiritual beliefs, the monks perform special masked dances that are inspirations of enlightened beings in history; and the Bhutanese believe that watching these mystical dances is important to gain enlightenment.

Mask Dance(Chhams) are the core event of monastic festivals, these highly choreographed sacred dance dramas are performed by masked lamas to the accompaniment of the monastic group, the lamas are dressed in rich brocade robes but it is the masked they wear that make these festivals unique, some are fierce, scary and pleasant. Most festivals are held over three days.

At the same time, it is also an opportunity to join hundreds and even thousands of Bhutanese in taking part in an important religious and social occasion that often exudes a carnival atmosphere, festivals in Bhutan are rich and happy expressions of its ancient Buddhist culture.

The regional Dzong and remote village communities hold their distinct annual Tsechu festival, providing the local populace with a wonderful occasion to dress up, gather together, and enjoy, in a convivial light-hearted atmosphere.

At Paro, Wangdu, Mongar and Tashigang, among other places, a large 'Thanka' scroll known as a Tongdrol is exhibited for a few hours, at day break of the final day of the festival, enabling the people to obtain its blessing, since such scrolls 'confer liberation by the mere sight of it' (Tongdrol in Bhutanese).

Of these festivals the Paro Tsechu, in the spring, and the Wangue and Thimpu Tsechus, in the fall, are the most impressive. These festivals are very popular with western tourists.

Most visitors try to time their trip with one of Bhutan’s colourful Tsechus (dance festivals) with mask dancing, lots of colourful costumes, and wonderful photo opportunities, but also lots of tourists and busier than normal so, you will need to make flight and hotel booking months in advance.