Jambay Lhakhang Drup
An autumn festival at one of Bhutan's oldest temples, famous for its fire blessing and its midnight sacred dance.
Overview
The Jambay Lhakhang Drup is held in autumn at Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang, one of the oldest temples in the kingdom. It commemorates the founding of the temple and honours Guru Rinpoche.
Two rituals make it famous. In the mewang, or fire blessing, people pass through the flames of a great fire to be cleansed of misfortune for the year ahead. Late at night comes the tercham, a sacred masked dance believed to bring blessings to all who watch.
Festival dates
| Dates | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 26 to 29 Oct 2026 | Tentative | |
| 14 to 17 Nov 2027 | Tentative |
Festival dates follow the Bhutanese lunar calendar and change every year. Dates shown are tentative, from the Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators festival lists (2026 list updated 23 January 2025; 2027 list updated 14 February 2025). We confirm dates with the organisers before you book. Last checked 27 September 2026.
History and meaning
The tercham is a sacred ritual: photography of the dancers is not allowed, and visitors are expected to watch quietly and respectfully.
How to attend
Dress smartly and modestly: long sleeves and long trousers or skirts. Arrive early to find a place around the courtyard, and bring a hat, sunscreen and water. Never walk across the dance ground during the performances, keep a respectful distance from the dancers, and do not use flash. Your guide will explain the meaning of each dance as it happens. Photography of the midnight tercham is not allowed.
Travel and accommodation
Hotels near the big festivals fill months in advance. If you want to attend, tell us your dates as early as possible so we can secure rooms and plan the rest of your route around the festival days.
Where it takes place