Dochula Festival, or Tshechu is also known as Druk Wangyel Tshechu, is commissioned by the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck in 2011. This is a unique festival as the festival is fully performed by the Royal Bhutan Army rather than the monastery. The soldiers have been given three months training in folk and mask dance.
What it is?
The Druk Wangyel Tshechu is a yearly festival in Bhutan that takes place on December 13th at Dochula Pass. It’s a unique festival because it’s performed by the Royal Bhutan Army, rather than monks or laypeople.
What it honors ?
The festival honors the following:
1/ The Fourth Druk Gyalpo
2/ The Armed Forces’ victory over Indian insurgent forces in 2003
3/ The wise leadership of His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King of Bhutan
What it includes ?
The festival includes mask dances, a visit to the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang temple, and views of the Himalayan mountains.
Who commissioned it?
The festival was commissioned by the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck in 2011.
What the dances are like?
The dances include a special Tsechu composed by Dasho Karma Ura, and a dance that reenacts the sacrifices and bravery of the heroes. The dance includes simulating battles in the jungles of Bhutan, with dancers brandishing swords and wielding shields.
