Durdag (Dance of the Lord of the Cremation Grounds)

Protectors of the religion they live in the large cremation grounds situated on the external edges of the Mount Sumeru.

Costume: White short skirts, white boots and white skull masks.

On the external edges of a symbolic mandala where the assembly of the secret tantric deities are residing, there are eight large cremation grounds. The numerous protectors of the religion (Chhoechong) live here and are bounded by an oath. Among them are the lords of the Cremation Grounds who protect these areas. Because of the promise, they had accepted before and from which they cannot be diverted even for one instant, these lords render powerless the assembly of demonic enemies who have violated their oath of not harming the doctrine. They offer them to the gods of the mandala and they reduce them to a mere name.

Guru Tshen Gyed Chham

Guru Tshen Gyed (Dance of the Eight Manifestation of Guru Rinpoche)

The eight different forms of Guru Rinpoche, which he had assumed in order to convert different kinds of beings into Buddhism, are represented here.

Ugyen Rinpoche is the 2^nd Buddha and the incarnation of Avalokiteshvara (Thugje Chenpo), Lord of Compassion. When he was born as the son of a guardian of poultry, he made a vow to guide the beings of the world in general and particularly the people of Sikkim, Bhutan and Tibet. That was why he came to these regions. When Buddha was about to enter Nirvana, he told his disciples a prophecy: “Don’t be sad, I will be coming from the West”. Thus, he appeared as Ugyen Rinpoche.

His activities were beyond description. However, here is how he helped the beings of the continent through his eight manifestations:

• He was born from a blue lotus on the lake Danakosha in Oddhiyana and was invited to become the son of King Indrabodhi. He was then called Guru Tshokye Dorji “Diamond Thunderbolt born from the lake”.
• He renounced his kingdom and went to receive teachings from the Master Maratika cave in Nepal. Then he was called Guru Shakya Senge, “The Lion of the Shakya clan”.
• After having listened to all the teachings of the Vajrayana, “The Diamond Path” and after having fully mastered the science of all Indian Pandits, he obtained full realization and was able to see all the gods and tutelary deities (yidam). Then he was called Guru Loden Chogsey, “Guru who wants to acquire the supreme knowledge”.
• After his marriage to the daughter of king Zahor, he was condemned to be burnt by the king. Through his magical powers, he turned the pyre into a lake and converted this astonished kingdom into Buddhism. Then he was called Guru Padmasanbhava “Born from a Lotus”.
• When he returned to Oddhiyana, the evil chiefs of this country wanted to burn him alive. But the fire could not burn his body and this was the sign of his realization. So the chiefs offered him the kingdom and its subjects. He was then called Guru Pema Gyalpo, “The Lotus King”.
• When he was preaching in the eight cremation grounds to the fairies (Khandroms), he cought the “life force” of the evil deities and he turned them into protectors of the doctrine. Then he was called Nyima Yoeser, “The Sunbeam”.
• As 500 heretic masters were trying to destroy the Doctrine of Buddha, he vanquished them through the power of his words. He brought down the thunderbolt by his terrific magic formula and they were burnt. He was then called the Senge Dradrok. “The one who speaks with a lion voice”.
• When he was in Singye Dzong in Lhuntse and at Taktsang in Paro, he was in the form of Dorji Drakpo, “Terrifying thunderbolt”. He subdued all the evil spirits who hindered Buddhism. He blessed them as the guardians of the Doctrine and was then called Guru Dorji Drolo, “The Thunderbolt”.

During this dance, the fairy that stands on the right of Guru Rinpoche is Mandarava, the Lady of Wisdom. Ugyen Rinpoche made her his own emanation for the benefit of all beings to be converted in the Kingdom of Zahor.

The fairy standing on the left is Yeshey Tshogyel who represents the goddess of knowledge, the mother of all Buddhas. She helped to establish Buddhism in Tibet for the benefit of all beings. The Sixteen Fairies (Rigma Chudrug) are the sixteen emenation of the same person. Goddess of Offerings they are divided into four categories. Each category is again divided into four, which make sixteen.

People believe in the manifestations of Ugyen Rinpoche, during this dance, which brings total happiness. A changeless faith in the glorious deeds of Ugyen Rinpoche’s mind, speech and body is born to them.

Tungam Chham

Tungam (Dance of the Terrifying Deities)

This dance is performed with the aim of delivering the beings by showing them the Zangtopelri, paradise of Guru Rinpoche. Here Guru Rinpoche takes the form of Dorji Drakpo “The Fierce Thunderbolt”.

Costume: Beautiful brocade dresses, boots and terrifying masks.

This spectacular and dramatic dance has deep symbolic meaning, namely that a sacrificial muder is performed. First, the dancers representing the gods try to enclose the bad spirits in a circle and in a box. Once this is done, the main god who holds the phurba, the ritual dagger, kills them. He thus saves the world from them and he delivers them into salvation at the same time. The man and the asuras (demi-gods) who becomes enemies of Buddhism, the source of happiness and benefit, do not have the chance to be converted by peaceful means. Hence, Ugyen Rinpoche, who is the emanation of all Buddhas, took the form of Dorji Drakpo. By slaying these enemies, he liberated them into the superior sphere of bliss. By performing such an incredible feat, which resulted in the happiness of human world, he helped increase faith in non-illusionary acts.

Private Bhutan Tour for Thangbi Mani Festival

Private Bhutan Tour for Thangbi Mani Festival

Day1: Arrive Paro from Kathmandu Altitude of Paro is 2260m

On arrival at Paro airport, you will be met by your Bhutan Majestic Travel representative and transferred to the hotel on completion of arrival formalities.
After lunch visit Paro Rinpund Dzong and National Museum.
Overnight hotel in Paro.

Day2: Paro – Thimphu 2 hrs drive Thimphu Altitude is 2280m

After breakfast drive for 30 minutes to reach the base of Tiger’s Nest. The actual round trip hike takes about 5 hours. Hot vegetarian lunch will be served at the Taktsang Monastery’s Cafeteria. After lunch drive to Thimphu.
Overnight hotel in Paro.

Day3: Thimphu – Punakha 3hrs drive Punakha Altitude is 1300m

After breakfast visit National Memorial Chorten (built as a memorial to Bhutan’s third king and as a monument to world peace); the National Institute of Traditional Medicine (outside only) where herbal medicines are made up and dispensed and traditional medicine practitioners are trained; the Institute for Zorig Chusum, where students learn the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan; the National Library, which houses an extensive collection of Buddhist literature including many ancient Buddhist texts in block-printed format.

After lunch drive to Punakha via Dochu-la pass (3,088m). On a clear day there is a superb view from here of Bhutan’s highest peaks. On a clear day, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendegang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Kangphugang (7,170m), Zongaphugang (7,060m) a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana, and finally, Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m. Overnight hotel in Punakha.

Day4: Punakha – Bumthang 7 Hrs drive Bumthang Altitude is 2500m

Drive to Trongsa over Pele-la pass (3,300m), the traditional boundary between east and west and lunch will be served at Chendibji where you will see Nepalese Style Stupa built in 15^th Century for Bhutanese pilgrims so that they don’t have to travel or walk from Bhutan to Nepal. Tea stop over in Trongsa. Drive to Bumthang via Yotongla Pass at 3450m which is the highest pass on your holiday in Bhutan. Overnight lodge in Bumthang.

Day5: Thangbi Mani Festival

Morning visit the 2^nd day of Thangbi Mani Festival. PM visit the sights such as Kurjey Monastery built in 8^th Century by legendary Guru Rimpoche on his visit to Bhutan from Nepal to subdue all evils and flourish Buddhism. Visit to Swiss Farm to check out on Swiss Cheese Production and also Bhutan’s only Red Panda Beer Factory. Walk in the town and prepare for the trek.
Overnight lodge in Bumthang

Day6: Bumthang – Ngang Lhakhang - 14km, 6 hours

The trek begins today. The trek route follows the Chamkhar Chu (river), taking us through meadows, forests of blue pine and scrub bamboo. We will pass by many villages and temples, on this very relaxing and easy day. Picnic lunch will be served. Camp overnight at village (2,900m).

Day7: Ngang Lhakhang – Ugyenchholing 19km, 7-8 hours

The trail ascends gradually through juniper forest towards Phephe-la pass (3,340m). From there, the path descends to Tang valley, finally arriving at Ugyenchholing village (2,850m). Camp overnight by the side of the river near the village.

Day8: Ugyenchholing – Bumthang 11km, 4 hours

In the morning, walk up to Ugyenchholing Palace, a beautiful private mansion which also houses a small eco-museum, then drive to Jakar (Bumthang) following the Tang Chu until arriving at the main road. On the way visit the Mebar Tso Lake, where Terton Pema Lingpa is said to have discovered religious treasures in the 15th century. This lake is very sacred, and on auspicious days many Bhutanese people go there to offer butter lamps. Overnight lodge in Bumthang.

Day9: Bumthang – Punakha 7hrs drive

Morning visit to Jambey Lhakhang, built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo, who is believed to be the reincarnation of Jambey (Avalokitesvara), the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Tamshing Lhaakhang, across the river, is also an important place to visit, as it houses old and interesting religious paintings. Drive to Punakha with lunch en route. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Day10: Punakha – Paro 5hrs drive

After breakfast drive to visit historic and one of the most beautiful Punakha Dzong built in between Make and Female Rivers. Punakha Dzong is the winter capital for the Monastic body and it’s the former Capital of Bhutan. Drive to Thimphu for Lunch via Dochula Pass. Shopping or purchasing souvenirs and relaxing drive to Paro. Overnight at the hotel in Paro

Day11: Depart Bhutan

early breakfast in the hotel and drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.

Choeshey Chham

Choeshey (Religious song)

Performed to commemorate the opening of Tsangpa Garey (1161-1211), founderof the Drukpa School, of the gateway for pilgrimages to Tsari Mountain in Eastern Tibet.

Costume: Very similar to the Guitar Dance. Elaborate and heavy woolen clothes, long black skirt. Folded brown coat, felt boots, a circular headdress and a sword.

When Tsangpa Garey arrived in Tsari, a frog, which was the guardian deity of the lake of Turquoises, turned itself into a yak and prevented him from going further. When his three religious friends arrived at this place, they asked the best way to remove this obstacle. Tsangpa Garey jumped on the frog, performed a dance and said, “If anybody wants to compare himself to me, the son of the glorious Drukpa lineage, let him come”. Then the frog changed into a rock as if it were a mud. Thus, the frog was subdued. It offered him his life force and he accepted. Then after establishing the frog as the guardian deity of the place, he opened the gateway to pilgrimage. All the believers undertake pilgrimage to Tsari even today and it is believed that a visit to this site gives one perfect happiness.