Wolfgang's photos with the keyword: Tsechu

A symbolic touch of the Thanka is an holy celebration in Lama Buddhism. The civic male visitors wear a white/beige scarf with fringes around the left shoulder, that it covers the heart. A red scarf without fringes is worn by a Dasho. This title means 'the best'. It is not hereditary but is conferred by the King on people of his choice as a reward for service. A dark blue scarf shows that a person is a Representative of the People, elected by the Royal Advisory Council. An orange scarf without fringes is worn by Vice-Ministers; Ministers wear the same scarf, but with part of it folded on the left shoulder. The temple and monastery servants wear a plait scarf. Only the King and the highest dignitary wear a golden or saffron/yellow scarf, as does the Je Khenpo, the Head Abbot of the country.

The sacrificial offering with butter lamps is a similar meaning like the donation of candles in the christian church.

Monks from everywhere in Bhutan come to the Tsechu festival and enjoy watching the performances.

The kira is the national dress for women in Bhutan. It is an ankle-length dress known as the kira which is clipped at the shoulder and tied at the waist. An accompaniment to the kira is a long-sleeved blouse which is worn underneath. Social status and class is determined by the texture, bright colours, and decorations embellishing the garments

On the last day of Tsechu, rise before dawn to attend the display of the great Thongdrol. An intricately appliqued and embroidered silk scroll measuring 12,20 x 18,30 meter. This work of art pictures the eight manisfestations of Guru Rinpoche, the Second Buddha and the founder of Tantric Buddhism. Thangkas such as this one are regarded as great treasures and are displayed only once a year for a few hours. It is believed that the mere sight of the Thongdrol brings salvation to the beholder. The festival area fills with people from all over the country well before dawn. People offer butter lamps and receive Thongdrol blessings. Monks dance cheerfully beating on double-sided drums with curved drumsticks. The Thongdrol is then let down to the ground and ceremoniously rolled and folded away before the first rays of the sun can reach it. Following the display of the Thongdrol, the Tsechu continues throughout the day with the performances of several additional dances.

The Lamas (priests) enter the yard playing the Nga (drum), the Kangling (trumpet), the Gyaling (oboe) and the Rolmo (cymbals).

A scene out of the performance during the Paro festival called Paro Tsechu. The red deers symbolize the savers of the humanity.