Some also claim that their fire dance is performed to bless infertile women so that they may bear children.
Tercham or Naked Dance is a popular dance among the spectators. Exactly at midnight, there will be sixteen naked men galloping in the air rhythmically with accompanying drums and cymbals. The dance is one of the most revered dances in Bumthang for the locals. The sacred dancers are completely naked except for their faces which are covered in white cloths and masks. And no, you are not allowed to take photographs of the dancers.
It’s believed that Tercham was introduced by the great treasure revealer, Terton Dorji Lingpa. Legend has it that demons delayed the construction of a monastery by destroying it every night, thus, Terton Dorji Lingpa established this dance to distract the demons. Terton Dorji Lingpa then brought the dance to Jambay Lhakhang during its consecration.
The Jambay Lhakhang Drup festival takes place annually around October or November.
Check out the most updated Bhutanese festival calendar.
Can tourists attend the Jambay Lhakhang Drup festival?
Yes, the Jambay Lhakhang Drup festival is open to both locals and tourists. Visitors are welcome to witness the colorful masked dances, receive blessings from the monks, and immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the festival