Yesterday was the Damchen, a religious festival before the three day Tsetchu. I’d never been to one before so I joined a few friends and headed down at about 10am. The crowds were much smaller and we easily got a seat in the hot sun. About 10:30, a group of monks dressed in masks and many layers of colourful clothes came out to jump and spin around. There was very little music besides a drum beat and some horns that disipated in the heat before their sound reached us. With the slow motions and lack of music, I had trouble keeping my attention on the show. It was more interesting to talk with the people around. A Bhutanese tour guide told us that the masks were to give our souls the chance to get used to seeing demons so we wouldn’t be frightened when we came across them in the afterlife. The same people stayed out dancing in the heat for over an hour before another group of masked dancers came out. We chose to leave just before lunch.
I might have paid more attention if there was a chance to get a good photo, but cameras aren’t allowed in this festival because of the religious focus.
This afternoon I’m heading into the cool mountains for a 3 day hike. I’ll write again on Tuesday.