Haa Tshechu - A three-day Buddhist festival to honour Guru Padmasambhava observed with sacred rituals, masked symbolic dances at the picturesque temple of Lhakhang Karpo in Haa valley

Festival month: October      I    Festival location: Lhakhang Karpo, Haa

The annual Haa Tshechu (festival) was introduced in 1990 to honour Guru Padmasambhava and celebrated at courtyard of Lhakhang Karpo (temple). This three-day festival is the biggest event in the district and attracts people from all over western Bhutan. The festival showcases various mask dances namely Shazam and Zhana Chams and concludes with unfurling of Guru Nangsi Zilon Thongdroel (large tapestry) for public veneration. Hundreds of people draped in their finest attires gathers to witness the festival and gain merit. 

(Photo credit : Haa Dzongkhag Administration)