Thangbi Mani Festival

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.