Punakha Tshechu begins

Thimphu, March 6, 2009: The annual festival of Punakha Tshechu has begun in Punakha on Friday with formal inauguration by Je Khempo, who also observed chham performances. 

The three-day festival is attended by hundreds of Buddhist followers from neighboring villages and nearby districts.

The mask performers also presented dram depicting the life and works of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who unified the country in 17th century. The religious festival is organized in memory of Guru Rimpoche also called Guru Padmashambhava who first introduced Buddhism in the country.

The Indian said had reached Bhutan in ninth century through Maratika of Nepal. 

Schools and government offices will remain closed for three days to observe the festival.