Paro Tshechu:
The Paro Tshechu Festival, held in the scenic town of Paro, is an annual event celebrated in the spring. This festival typically takes place in March or April, marking the beginning of the Bhutanese lunar calendar. Dedicated to Guru Rinpoche, also known as Padmasambhava, it commemorates his victory over evil spirits. Locals and pilgrims gather to witness the mesmerizing Cham dances, performed by monks adorned in ornate costumes and masks.
Mask dance which are performed:
- Dance of the Lords of the Cremation Grounds (Durdag): Similar to Thimphu Tshechu, the Durdag dance in Paro features masked dancers representing the protective deities of the cremation grounds. They invoke blessings, purify the environment, and ward off evil spirits with their ritualistic movements and symbolic gestures.
- Dance of the Noblemen and the Ladies (Pholeg Moleg): Pholeg Moleg is a delightful and entertaining dance that portrays the playful interactions between noblemen and noblewomen. The performers, adorned in colorful costumes and intricate masks, engage in humorous gestures and lively movements, much to the delight of the audience.
- Dance of the Stags and Hounds (Shawa Shachhi): This dynamic and energetic dance represents the age-old relationship between man and nature. Dancers, dressed as majestic stags and fierce hunters with bows and arrows, enact scenes of the hunt. The dance symbolizes the balance and harmony between humans and the natural world.
- Dance of the Drummers (Dramitse Ngacham): Dramitse Ngacham is a mesmerizing dance featuring performers wielding drumsticks and dancing to the rhythmic beat of drums. The synchronized movements and intricate footwork create a hypnotic display of Bhutanese culture and artistic expression.
- Dance of the Ging and Tsholing: This symbolic dance depicts the triumph of Buddhism over the ancient Bon religion. Dancers, wearing elaborate costumes and elaborate masks representing deities and demons, enact scenes of conflict and victory. The dance is a vivid portrayal of Bhutan’s rich spiritual heritage and cultural identity.