September 2015
Thimpu, Bhutan
Tshechu literally means day ten, and are annual religious festivals of Bhutan. Each Dzong (province) has its own festival and they are held on the tenth day of the tenth month of the lunar Tibetan calendar. They are religious festivals, but they also serve as social events and places for people to sell their wares. The Teschu of Thimpu is one of the largest. The focal points are the dances with marvelous colorful costumes and stunning masks. The dances tell moral based stories and are centered on important figures in Bhuddist history. Some of the dances can go on for hours.
Dance of the Nobleman and the Ladies – Phooey Moley
This dance is primarily for entertainment and is based on an Indian myth. The story is about love and jealousy.
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Throughout the day, atsara, or masked clowns, mimic the dancers and perform classic clown duties. They are even found in the stands playing with the children and hassling the adults in the audience for money in exchange for blessings, in the case of the gentleman above, with his wooden phallus.
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We had the privilege of seeing the Dance of the Drummers from Drametse – Drametse Nga Cham
This dance was introduced at Drametse in the 16th century. The masks represent peaceful forms. They are led by a dancer wearing a lion mask carrying a cymbal. The other animals represent the 12 animals in the Buddhist astrological system.
This dance has a designation under the World Heritage Preservation arm of UNESCO
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Here is a 10 second video of the sounds and movements of one very small part of this dance.
Kuzuzangpo