Thimphu Drupchen Dromchoe 2026, 2027 and 2028 in Bhutan
Thimphu Drupchen, sometimes also called Thimphu Dromchoe, is a one-day Buddhist holiday that was first celebrated in the year 1710. Bhutan is an intensely Buddhist country and every major Buddhist feast day is a cause for celebration.
In 2026, Thimphu Drupchen Dromchoe falls on Thursday 17 September. The holiday will be on Wednesday 6 October in 2027.
| Year | Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 17 Sep | Thu | Thimphu Drupchen Dromchoe * |
| 2027 | 6 Oct | Wed | Thimphu Drupchen Dromchoe * |
| 2028 | 28 Sep | Thu | Thimphu Drupchen Dromchoe * |
| Please scroll down to end of page for previous years' dates. | |||
Note: Thimphu Drupchen Dromchoe is observed in Thimphu only.
In 1710, Kuenga Gyeltshen is said to have seen visions of the Buddhist goddess Pelden Lhamo performing amazing dances before his eyes while he was lost in deep meditation. When he “awoke”, he then introduced a new holiday, dances inclusive, based on what he had seen.
On the day of Thimphu Drupchen, which falls on the seventh day of the eighth month of Bhutan’s sacred calendar, masked dancers perform before gathered crowds. The dancing is supposed to help protect people from evil and from bad luck. The dance moves are intended as an invocation to the gods to bless, send good luck, and drive away evil spirits.
On Thimphu Drupchen, people in Bhutan will don their finest attire and attend the festival. Then, only three days later, the multi-day Thimphu Tshechu festival begins.
Previous Years
| Year | Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 28 Sep | Sun | Thimphu Drupchen Dromchoe * |
| 2024 | 9 Sep | Mon | Thimphu Drupchen Dromchoe * |