18 September 2015

BHUTAN: FESTIVAL JAMBAY LHAKHANG

Every year, Bhutan opens its doors to travelers with vibrant festivals that blend deep spirituality and colorful traditions. Discover the magic of the Jambay Lhakhang festival, a captivating celebration at the heart of the kingdom.

The Magical Festivals of Bhutan

Nestled between the Tibetan plateau and India, Bhutan is a Himalayan kingdom that preserves Lamaist Buddhism as a state religion. Its pristine valleys, lush forests, and breathtaking monasteries welcome those seeking cultural authenticity. At the core of Bhutanese life, annual festivals like Jambay Lhakhang bring communities together and offer travelers an unforgettable immersion into centuries-old traditions. For an authentic trip to Bhutan, this celebration is not to be missed.

Festival Season: Jambay Lhakhang Drup 2025

In 2025, the Jambay Lhakhang Festival will be held from November 5th to 8th at the ancient Jambay Lhakhang monastery in Bumthang. This highlight of the Bhutanese calendar commemorates Guru Rinpoche, known for introducing Buddhism to Bhutan. Each year, the festival follows the lunar calendar and involves elaborate rituals, making it a magnificent spectacle of devotion and culture.

A Monastery Rich in History

Jambay Lhakhang, built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, stands as one of the oldest and most sacred monasteries in Bhutan. According to legend, 108 temples were erected across the Himalayas in a single day to subdue local spirits, with Jambay Lhakhang and Kichu Lhakhang in Paro among them. The temple is also associated with Guru Rinpoche, who visited it multiple times and considered it a place of great spiritual power. Inside, a great wheel of life, installed by the first king of Bhutan, commemorates historic victories and adds to the monastery's historic significance.

Festival Highlights and Rituals

During the four days of celebration, locals and visitors alike gather in Bumthang to witness spectacular mask dances (Cham), the famous naked fire dance (Mewang or Ter Cham) performed by monks at midnight, and a succession of sacred rituals enlivened by drums and cymbals. The festival atmosphere is truly riveting, as gods and demons are re-enacted to symbolize the victory of good over evil and prayers are offered for blessings and prosperity for the coming year. These colorful, moving displays help maintain Bhutan’s spiritual heritage while forging a bond between communities.

Experiencing Bumthang and Beyond

Jambay Lhakhang lies just a few kilometers from Jakar—meaning "white bird"—the capital of the Bumthang region, famed for its dzong (fortress monastery). The central valleys allow access to both Bhutan’s east and west, making it possible to explore nearby cities such as Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Trashigang, and Mongar. Trips usually start in Paro, with flights available from Delhi, Kathmandu, Calcutta, or Bangkok. Overland entry is possible from Assam, India, unveiling the lesser-visited eastern regions of Bhutan.

During the festival period, hotels, transportation, and excursions are best arranged in advance due to high demand. Travelers are accompanied by English-speaking Bhutanese guides throughout, with personalized itineraries tailored to explore the best of Bumthang and its vibrant festivities.

Practical Tips and Other Festivals

For the Jambay Lhakhang Festival, comfortable and modest attire is recommended, and an extra jacket is ideal for cool evenings. Many guests combine the festival visit with discoveries of local monasteries and iconic landmarks such as the Tiger’s Nest. Besides Jambay Lhakhang, Bhutan hosts other spectacular festivals throughout the year, each offering a unique window into its cultural heritage.

Embark on an extraordinary journey to Bhutan and become part of living history by attending one of the world’s most colorful and spiritually uplifting festivals.