Shabdrung Kuchoe 2026, 2027 and 2028 in Bhutan

Shabdrung Kuchoe celebrates the death anniversary of “The Shabdrung”, who is credited with founding the Buddhist Drukpa lineage in Bhutan and with establishing the Kagyu school of Buddhism in the country.

In 2027, Shabdrung Kuchoe falls on Friday 16 April. The holiday will be on Sunday 7 May in 2028.

Year	Date	Day	Holiday
2026	26 Apr	Sun	Shabdrung Kuchoe
2027	16 Apr	Fri	Shabdrung Kuchoe
2028	7 May	Sun	Shabdrung Kuchoe
Please scroll down to end of page for previous years' dates.

Shabdrung was born in Tibet in 1594 and died in Bhutan in 1651. His death anniversary occurs on the tenth day of the Buddhist Calendar’s fourth month, but typically falls sometime in April of May on the Gregorian Calendar.

Bhutan honours Shabdrung immensely, with only Buddha and Guru Rimpoche who first brought Buddhism to the country receiving greater reverence.

The special lineage of religious leaders begun by Shabdrung in Bhutan is much akin to the position of the Dalai Lama and his kin in Tibet. But Shabdrung’s lineage is also respected for political reasons since he succeeded in effecting the unification of much of Bhutan under one ruler.

During Shabdrung Kuchoe, there are numerous religious rituals performed at temples, dzongs, and other religious sites all over Bhutan. There are special prayers offered and funerary services held for the now long since deceased “Rinpoche Shabdrung”, or “precious Shabdrung”.

Previous Years

Year	Date	Day	Holiday
2025	7 May	Wed	Shabdrung Kuchoe
2024	18 Apr	Thu	Shabdrung Kuchoe