 
April 12 - 16, 2003
 Tsechus are held annually district to district and are a great time of rejoicing for Bhutanese.
Family members travel great distances to be reunited at this time of year. The Paro Tsechu is held each year in early to mid April with dates set by the lunar calendar as is Chinese new year.
 The Tsechu is a commemoration of arrival of the Mahayana Buddhist saint Guru
"Rimpoche" Padmasambhava (747 CE) and his influence on Bhutan. Different from the original form of Buddhism begun by the Indian Guyatama Buddha about 500 BCE, The Guru Rimpoche established a Buddhism
similar to Tibetan Lamanism with the synchronitation of the indigenous "Bon" religions of the Himalayas and their magical powers. The Guru Rimpoche used his own powers and authority to convert local demons to Buddhism.
 This victory of the Buddhist doctrines of "Dharma" over evil powers is the theme of the Bhutanese tsechu celebration. Lasting
several days the tsechu is an epic pageant of dance and drama. The gods of death, the dance of the
stag and the hound, kings and queens, the triumphal entrance of the Guru are all
portrayed here in dance. The tsechu is a Bhutanese act of worship of the ideals of Dharma.
 During most of the year Bhutanese life revolves around planting and harvesting. Held during breaks in the farmer's spring planting and fall harvest, tsechus afford travelers a rare
glimpse into Bhutanese traditions. Most Buddhist monasteries are closed to outsiders except during the tsechu season. This next year's Paro Tsechu promises to be the
biggest Tsechu Bhutan has ever had. Scheduled for April 17th though the 21st, 2000, Druk Airlines is quickly selling all available seats for this very popular festival.
Bootan.com is pleased to offer an exclusive Paro Tsechu itinerary. A trip to Bhutan makes an excellent final destination to
South Asia and the Himalayas.
If you would like to take part in this next year's Paro Tsechu, you can contact us online by following the links below and filling out our request form for the days you would like to attend. Pick the city you would like to fly to Bhutan from.
2002-03 Tsechu Schedule
Can't get the time off for the Paro Tsechu?
Their many more festivals in Bhutan.
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