tshechu or the mask dance festival is annual religious festivals meaning 10^th day of a lunar calendar. it is held in each district of bhutan in honour of guru padmasambhava to commemorate his birthday. the exact month of the tshechu varies from place to place and temple to temple.

the main highlight of the tshechu is performance of masked dances by monks which has religious significance. there are many kinds of masked dances all involving different moves, masks and costumes. every mask dance performed during a tshechu has a special meaning or a story behind it and many are based on stories and incidents from as long ago as the 8th century, during the life of guru padmasambhava.

tshechus are grand events where entire communities come together to witness religious mask dances, receive blessings and socialize. it is believed that everyone must attend a tshechu and witness the mask dances at least once to in order to receive blessings and wash away their sins.

the tentative festival dates for 2020 is given below: