Thangbi Mani festival is one of the most popular festivals
held in Chhoekhor Geog under Bumthang Dzongkha due to the most famous fire
dance call Mewang (fire blessing) performed by the local monks. Mewang ceremony
(fire blessing) is performed in an open ground. The Gomchens perform
purification rituals while all the people and guests jump over the flames to
get themselves purified from their sins and evil deeds. It is believed that if
one is able to jump over the flame three times he or she is protected from ill
luck and misfortunes are removed for that entire year. That is why people of
all walks of life attempt to jump across the flame three times to be blessed
for the whole year. Then mask dances and folk dances are performed as scheduled
in the enclosed courtyard of the Temple. Of all the dances Goem Bernak is
believed to be the most secret Dance (Tercham). This festival is organised by
the people of three vilages viz. Thangbi, Goling & Kharsath and displays
the rich cultural heritage of this ancient Lhakhang. It will be an opportunity
to come in closer contact with the local folks and their way of living, beliefs
and more. People from all over the villages come here to witness the festival
dressed in their best costumes. It is believed that this festival brings
happiness, better harvest and prosperity of the village.
