Thousands of devotees filled the courtyard of the majestic Trashichhodzong yesterday to witness one of Bhutan’s most revered annual religious traditions — the Thimphu Lhamoi Domchoe. The centuries-old ceremony once again drew crowds dressed in their finest ghos and kiras, alongside hundreds of international visitors eager to experience Bhutan’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
Presided over by the Dorji Lopen of the Central Monastic Body, this year’s Domchoe attracted about 600 tourists, including more than 470 international and 100 regional visitors, according to the Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development.
A Tradition Rooted in History
The Lhamoi Domchoe has been observed in Bhutan for 318 years, since its institution in 1707 by Je Kuenga Gyaltshen, the first reincarnation of Jampel Dorji, son of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. At its heart lies the Lhamoi Tshomi Kuncham, a sacred mask dance dedicated to Pelden Lhamo, Bhutan’s protector deity. The dance is believed to cleanse misfortunes and purify the negative karma of devotees for the year ahead.
“The monks wake up around 9 p.m. and have been conducting the Lhawang Drupchhoe for about 15 days,” said Pema Namgyel, Vice Principal of the Dodeydra Buddhist Institute. “The Kuncham is an expression of divine generosity and compassionate blessings. The sacred Lhamoi Tshomi mask is kept inside the kilkhor and revealed to the public only after the prayers.”
A Day of Faith, Color, and Culture
Throughout the day, monks from the Central Monastic Body performed a series of sacred mask dances accompanied by traditional music and chants. Artists from the Traditional Performing Arts and Music Division also joined in, adding rhythmic energy and color to the solemn rituals.
For visitors, the festival offered a vivid introduction to Bhutanese spirituality and artistry — a rare opportunity to witness living traditions that have endured for centuries.
Awe and Inspiration Among Visitors
Among those captivated by the ceremony was Greg Bernstein, a computer systems professional from the United States working with Reuters. Visiting Bhutan for the first time, Bernstein plans to trek the Snowman Trail after attending the Domchoe.
“I am in Bhutan to exchange culture and to learn more about the Bhutanese people, their culture, and their religions,” he said. “This festival has been amazing — the masks, the dances, the atmosphere. I’ve loved every minute of it.”
Another traveler, Torben Buhl from Denmark, described the experience as an unexpected gift. “We are here to do the second part of the Snowman Trek, and we were so lucky to have the chance to see the festival. It has been very entertaining and deeply meaningful,” he said.
A Prelude to the Thimphu Tshechu
The Lhamoi Domchoe marks the beginning of Bhutan’s autumn festival season. It will be followed next week by the Thimphu Tshechu, another grand three-day celebration that draws thousands of Bhutanese and visitors alike.
As prayers echoed across the dzong and incense filled the air, the festival once again affirmed the timeless power of faith and community — a living expression of Bhutan’s deep-rooted spiritual heritage.
