Thimphu Drubchoe

Thimphu Drubchoe is a traditional Bhutanese religious festival held annually in the capital city of Thimphu. It serves as a prelude to the more widely known Thimphu Tshechu festival. Drubchoe, which translates to "preliminary prayers," is a significant event where prayers and rituals are conducted to invoke the deities.

Date:

The Thimphu Drubchoe takes place a few days before the Thimphu Tshechu, usually in September or October, depending on the lunar calendar.

History:

The festival was initiated by the 4th Desi, Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay, in the 17th century. The historical underpinnings of the festival are deeply rooted in Vajrayana Buddhism and its traditions.

Traditions:

• Cham Dances: Monks don elaborate costumes and masks to perform Cham dances that depict various moral stories and teachings of Buddhism.
• Prayers & Rituals: The monks conduct numerous prayers and rituals during this time to honor deities and seek their blessings for the wellbeing of all sentient beings.
• Religious Offerings: Attendees participate by making offerings and receiving blessings from religious artifacts that are displayed during this time.

What People Do:

• Attend Ceremonies: Devotees flock to Tashichho Dzong, where most of the festivities take place, to witness and participate in the sacred ceremonies.
• Spiritual Merit: Many Bhutanese people attend in hopes of gaining spiritual merit and blessings for themselves and their families.
• Social Gathering: It also serves as an occasion for socializing, where people dress in their finest traditional attire and meet with friends and family.

The Thimphu Drubchoe is an integral part of Bhutan's cultural heritage, reflecting its Buddhist values and traditions while fostering community spirit among its people.