Paro Tsechu
For Bhutan to rejoice in continued happiness, numerous knowledgeable lamas established a tradition of dances. The deities of the tantric teachings are involved during these dances. It is believed that through their power and benediction, all misfortunes are annihilated, luck increased and all wishes realised.
Ugyen Rinpoche took his religious vows in front of his master Prabahahasti. To commemorate this great event, the Paro Penlop Gragpa Gyatsho (17th cent.) established the Tsechu festival in Paro on the 2nd month of the Bhutanese calendar. It is said that terrifying and peaceful deities are incarnated on this occasion.
Day ONE
| Serda Berkhor Procession | In order for all sentient beings to get accomplished virtues, the procession is arranged and is meant to acquire faith in the Unsurpassed Religion. |
| Shinje Yab Yum Dance of the Lord of Death and his Consort | Costume: Brocade long dress, buffalo mask.This protectors of the religion render demons powerless and offer them to the mandala. They lead all the beings who revere the Doctrine, to actions which will lead to the happiness of delivery from different rebirths or to a good rebirth. |
| Durdag Dance of the Lords of the Cremation Ground | Costume: White short skirt, White boots, White skull mask. They are protectors of the religion who live in the eight large cremation grounds situated on the external edges of the Mount Sumeru. |
| Shanag Dance of the Black Hats | Costume: Large black hat, felt boots, colourful brocade, long dress, no mask. This ground purification rite is also performed on the occasions of construction of dzongs, temples and stupas etc. Its aim is to conciliate the malevolent beings of the grounds in order to take possession of the site from them. |
| Dramitse Nga Cham Dance of the Drums from Dramitse | Costume: Knee-length yellow skirt, animal mask. They each hold a big drum and the drumstick. In the excellent heaven of Zangtopelri where the beings have accumulated merits, the dancers are decorated with splendid jewels and perform 21 stanzas of the dance. Just seeing this dance, the black demons are vanquished and the white gods reign supreme. |
| Degye Dance of the eight kinds of Spirits | Costume: knee-length yellow skirt, animal mask. The eight spirits are - Yakshas, Mamos, Shinjes, Gyelpos, Tsens, Dus, Lus and the Lhas. They are masters of the Tree Worlds (sky, earth, underground). These poisonous and evil deities provoke death by their desire to continually torment sentient beings. Ultimately these spirits are subdued by the gods and endless happiness is recovered. |
| Chhoeshey | Religious Song |
