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"Tshechus" are celebrated for several days,
between three and five according to location, and are
the occasion for dances that are clearly defined in
religious content. Both monks as well as laymen take
part in these dances which are performed in a similar
manner at each of the Tshechus. Certain Tshechus
end with the worship of a
huge applique Thangkha representing Guru Rimpoche and
his eight manifestations. It is called 'THONGDROEL'
and is believed that simply by viewing it people can
be delivered from the cycle of reincarnations. The Bhutanese
people attach great importance to festivals, which allow
them to become immersed in their religion and gain merit,
and it is because of this importance that the festivals
are so well preserved. These events are also a time
for the local people to socialize, to laugh, to joke
with their neighbors and acquaintances, to dress in
their finest clothes and jewelry, to eat well and generally
to have good time. There are many festivals held at
different locations at different times of the year.
The best known festival is "Tshechu" which is celebrated
in honor of Guru Padmasambhava commemorating his great
deeds. Popularly known as "Guru Rimpoche". This Indian
saint contributed enormously to the diffusion of Tantric
Buddhism in the Himalayan region of Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan
around 800 AD. Guru Padmasambhava is founder of the
Nyingmapa, the old school of Lamaism, which still has
numerous followers. The biography of Guru is highlighted
by 12 episodes on the model of Buddha Shakyamuni's life.
"Tshechu" which has become the name of very popular
festival commemorate each episode around the year on
the 10th day of the month. The dates and the duration
of festival vary from one place to another but they
all take place on or around 10th day of the month according
to Bhutanese calendar. "Tshechus" are celebrated for
several days, between three and five according to location,
and are the occasion for dances that are clearly defined
in religious content. Both monks as well as laymen take
part in these dances which are performed in a similar
manner at each of the Tshechus. Certain Tshechus end
with the worship of a huge applique Thangkha representing
Guru Rimpoche and his eight manifestations. It is called
'THONGDROEL' and is believed that simply by viewing
it people can be delivered from the cycle of reincarnations.
The Bhutanese people attach great importance to festivals,
which allow them to become immersed in their religion
and gain merit, and it is because of this importance
that the festivals are so well preserved. These events
are also a time for the local people to socialize, to
laugh, to joke with their neighbors and acquaintances,
to dress in their finest clothes and jewelry, to eat
well and generally to have good time.
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