October 11: A sea of people packed the Tendrel Thang at the Tashichhodzong as the annual Thimphu Tsechu ended today.

Thousands witnessed the sacred Guru Tshenyi or the dance of the eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche.

Thousands of devotees from Thimphu and neighbouring areas including tourists gathered at the Tashichhodzong on the final day of the Thimphu Tsechu.

The major highlight on the final day was the Guru Tshengye dance or the dance of the eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche.

The Dance of the Ging and Tsholing, which brings blessings to all sentient being, was also performed today. The other dance is the Rigma Chudru, the dance of sixteen fairies.

Tshechu festivals are dedicated to Guru Rinpoche, the 8th century saint revered as the second Buddha. It is also observed to mark the day the tirthikas or mutegpa’s tried to poison Guru Rinpoche who, in turn, transformed their concoction into Amrita.

The biography of Guru is highlighted by twelve episodes of the Buddha Shakyamuni’s life. Each episode is commemorated around the year on the 10th day of the month by the Tsechu.

It is believed that one gains merit by the attending the annual religious festival. For the Bhutanese it is also an annual social gathering where people, dressed in all their finery come together to rejoice.

Thimphu Tshechu, one of the biggest festivals in the country, was initiated by the fourth Desi, Tenzin Rabgye, in 1670 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche.