The Trongsa Tshechu event occurs at the Trongsa Choekhor Rabtentse Dzong, situated on a ridge overlooking the Mangdechhu and Truenpangchu gorges. This dzong is situated in the central town of Trongsa, which is part of the Nubi gewog in the Trongsa district.
The Trongsa Tshechu takes place every year over a span of five days, occurring between the 8th and 12th days of the eleventh month in the lunar calendar, typically falling in December or January. This event unfolds within the northern courtyard of the temple.
The initial day of the festival is dedicated to the practice and preparation of mask dances. This involves the captivating blend of religious melodies performed by traditional instruments such as long trumpets known as “dungchen,” as well as oboes referred to as “jaling” (rgya gling). These mask dances encompass presentations by both monks and lay individuals. On the following day, a sequence of dances takes place to provide amusement to the crowd, expel negative energies, and bestow blessings upon both the individuals and the surroundings.
