Tsum Valley After two years of pandemic-related silence, Tsum Valley once again came alive in October 5 -10, 2022, with the vibrant celebration of the annual Tsechu festival, marked by intensive spiritual practice, sacred dances, and major cultural performances.
The week-long celebration included five days of sadhana followed by two days of traditional Lama Dance, drawing monks, nuns, and villagers from across the region. This year’s Tsechu held special significance as it combined both religious observances and dramatic reenactments of Tsum’s spiritual heritage.
The Tsehu Drubchöd held in the Monkey month is regarded as especially important due to its deep historical and spiritual significance. According to prophecy, Guru Padmasambhava was born on the tenth day of the Monkey month, miraculously appearing from a lotus in Lake Dhanakosha, and it is also the day he departed for the southwestern continent of Ngayab Ling. Because of this, it is believed that sincere prayers to Orgyen Rinpoche on this day bring his actual presence.
Honoring this sacred connection, the Tsechu Drubchöd has long been a major festival in regions where the Nyingma tradition has flourished. People from Tsum Tod, Mad, and Bar gather in large numbers to perform the Guru Sangdü, part of the Eight-Chapter Accomplishment Offering revealed by Guru Chökyi Wangchuk, and engage in prayers, merit-making, and many virtuous activities. Lama Dance was also from the pure vision of Guru Chokyi Wangchuk as he saw Guru Padmasambhava Dancing in that movement. He started that dance in his monastery and later flourished to Nyingma and kagyu monasteries.
Dignitaries Arrive to Bless the Ceremony
Dungse Pema Rinpoche, accompanied by several dignitaries, arrived in Tsum Valley by helicopter to preside over the festival. Their presence was welcomed with deep respect, as the community had waited eagerly for the resumption of Tsechu activities after the COVID-19 interruption.
Five Days of Lama Sangdue Sadhana
The celebration opened with the Lama Sangdue Sadhana, performed over five consecutive days. Monks engaged in intensive ritual practice, prayers, and offerings, setting a deeply spiritual tone for the festival for 8am to 5:30 pm everyday.
Traditional Lama Dances and Sacred Ritual Performances
Following the sadhana, the festival featured sacred Lama Dances, including elaborate masked dances and the revered Black Hat Dance, symbolizing the victory of wisdom over negativity.
On October 9th and 10th, the festival showcased the Pudri and Old Man dance and Me Tashi, followed by Dance of the Four Animals—a ritual performance representing harmony, strength, and protection in Tibetan Buddhist tradition. One of the festival’s highlights was the grand display of the Eight Manifestations of Guru Rinpoche (Guru Tsengye), presented with full ceremonial costume and musical offerings.
Nepal Lhamo Association Brings Cultural Drama to Tsum
A team of 15–20 performers from the Nepal Lhamo Association traveled to Tsum Valley to present a special theatrical production. Their play narrated the life of Yogi Milarepa, Tibet’s great saint, along with the story of Phawa Jamo, believed to be the first person to arrive in Tsum.
Despite facing six consecutive days of heavy rain, which severely affected travel and logistics, the troupe remained committed to offering their performance. Due to worsening weather conditions, the group later had to be airlifted out of the valley for their safety.
Final Day Clears for a Successful Performance
In a fortunate turn of events, the rain stopped on the final day of the festival, allowing the Lhamo Association to successfully stage their much-anticipated performance. Locals and visitors gathered in large numbers, expressing great appreciation for the effort, artistry, and cultural depth of the dramatization.
Community Response
The 2022 Tsechu was widely praised by attendees, who welcomed the return of spiritual gatherings after the pandemic hiatus. The combination of ritual practice, sacred dance, and cultural storytelling made this year’s festival particularly memorable./