Thimphu Drubchen

Thimphu Drupchen or Drubchen (popularly known as Thimphu Dromchoey) is performed at the Thimphu Tashichhodzong. The sacred masked dance is dedicated to appeasing the protecting deity of Bhutan, Pelden Lhamo. The dance ceremony was instituted between 1705 and 1709 by Kuenga Gyaltshen, the first reincarnation of Jampel Dorji, son of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. According to legend, Pelden Lhamo appeared before him and performed the dances while he was in meditation. Based on these dances, Kuenga Gyeltshen initiated the dance ceremony. Thimphu Drubchen is a 5 day event preceding the popular 3 day Thimphu Tsechu festival. Because it is mainly to appease the protecting deities, it is considered more sacred and was not open for tourists until recently. Photographing may be prohibited during the Drubchen. The Coordinating committee of the annual Thimphu Drubchen and Tsechu has issued the following decorum for tourist attending the event in 2010: 1.Not to place filming equipment in front of the crowd, obstructing public view 2. Approvals from the Department of Culture and BICMA has to be sought for Filming & photography in Kuenrey and the Dukhang 4. Pay and use toilet facility is available inside the Dzong. 5. The Ministry of Health will have a clinic set up with ambulance outside the Dzong in case of any emergencies. 6. Police help Desk will also be made available by Royal Bhutan Police. 7. Dress code for tourists are as follow: – * T-Shirts or full sleeves should be with collar * Knee length skirts for women * No shorts/half pants/track pants allowed * No hats and caps permitted inside the Dzong