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Bumthang Festival is one of the religious festivals of Bhutan. Festivals of Bhutan known by the local name Tsechu. The Bumthang Festivals are marked by masked dances locally known as Cham The Bumthang festivals are held in every fortress of Bhutan that dates back to 16th Century. Ura Tshechu that takes place in the month of April, and Nimalung Tshechu and Kurje Tshechu that takes place in the month of July constitute Bumthang Festivals.This is the time for celebrations for the Bhutanese people and they wait for the festivals throughout the year.
Religious festivals of Bhutan are held annually in the districts at different times of the year. The main aim of such festivals is to ward off the evil with the help of music, dancing, and rituals, and thereby bring good fortune for the next year.
The masked dances are performed to give the viewers an idea of the Buddhist drama. These masked dances are performed in the courtyards of the forts. Each dance has its own spiritual importance. Masked dances are performed either my monks or lay persons, and most of the dances are as old as the Middle Ages. The Mask dance takes place for 3-4 days in honour of Guru Rimpoche. The people of Bhutan witnesses 12 episodes by the end of the festival. It is obligatory for every Bhutanese to see and understand every dance since this is believed to bring good luck.
Some of the festivals end with unveiling of a “thongrel” in which a type of tapestry is hung from a wall of the fortress. This is believed to be watching something good as it brings with it good luck.These are also the occasions for celebration for all Bhutanese as they dress in their finest ethnic costumes and rejoice together.
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