Gangtey Kurim

Gangtey Kurim is a significant religious festival held annually in the Gangtey Valley of Bhutan, particularly at the Gangtey Monastery, one of the most revered monasteries in the region. The festival, which usually takes place in November, is celebrated by the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism, with special focus on the teachings of Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), who is considered the patron saint of Bhutan.

Gangtey Kurim involves a series of prayers, rituals, and sacred dances (Cham dances) performed by the monks of the monastery. These dances are believed to bring protection and blessings to the community, and to ward off evil spirits. The festival also includes meditation sessions, mantra recitations, and offerings of butter lamps to invoke spiritual merit.

The festival serves as an occasion for devotion, community unity, and cultural preservation, bringing together locals and visitors to celebrate Bhutan’s rich Buddhist heritage and traditions.