Paro Festival - Shugdrel Ceremony, Bhutan

On the fifth and final day of the Paro Tshechu Festival, a deeply sacred and visually stunning moment unfolds: the Great Paro Thongdrel, an enormous silk Thangka depicting Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), is unfurled at dawn. This revered image, believed to liberate on sight, sets the stage for the Shugdrel Ceremony—a blessing and offering ritual performed by the Monk Body in front of the Thanka. The ceremony is not merely a conclusion to the festival but a spiritual apex, symbolizing the culmination of Bhutanese devotion and the achievements of the Glorious Drukpa lineage.

The Shugdrel Ceremony is rich in symbolism and spiritual depth. It is conducted regardless of the scale of the occasion, underscoring its universal importance in Bhutanese religious life. The ritual is anchored in five accomplished elements, beginning with the place: the Paro Valley, known as the Valley of Medicinal Herbs, where enlightened beings like Shakya Thubpa, Ugyen Rimpoche, and Ngawang Namgyal have diffused sacred Tantras. This setting is considered an accomplished place, imbued with centuries of spiritual resonance.

At the heart of the ceremony is the accomplished master, Ugyen Pema Jungne, whose image graces the Thongdrel. He embodies the essence of all Buddhas and serves as a beacon of liberation from negative karmic cycles. Surrounding him is the accomplished retinue—monks in ceremonial robes and laypeople adorned in rich garments and ornaments—gathered like celestial stars in reverence and celebration. Their presence amplifies the spiritual potency of the moment, transforming the grounds into a mandala of devotion.

The ceremony also reflects an accomplished time, when religious practices flourish—from chanting mantras like Mani and Baza Guru to engaging in Tantric rituals. Offerings abound: fruits, tea, incense, and even nectar-like alcohol are presented in rows, echoing the literal meaning of “Shugdrel”—men and gods seated together in harmony. This ritual, performed in front of the unfurled Thongdrel, is a profound expression of Bhutanese spirituality, community, and cultural continuity.

Panorama of the Shugdrel Ceremony
During the Shugdrel Ceremony on the fifth day of the Paro Tshechu Festival, the arrangement of the monks carries profound symbolic and spiritual meaning.

As the Great Paro Thongdrel—an immense and sacred Thangka depicting Guru Rinpoche—is fully unfurled at dawn, the monks take their places in rows perpendicular to the altar and the Thongdrel itself. This orientation is not arbitrary; it reflects the alignment of earthly devotion with celestial order. The rows symbolize harmony and discipline, evoking the image of divine beings seated in sacred assembly, as described in Bhutanese spiritual texts.
The monk presiding over the ceremony sits directly facing the Great Paro Thongdrel, embodying the role of spiritual intermediary between the congregation and the enlightened beings depicted on the Thangka. His position signifies reverence and direct communion with the sacred image of Ugyen Pema Jungne, believed to incorporate all Buddhas. This focal point of the ceremony reinforces the idea that the blessings of liberation and purification flow from the Thongdrel outward, through the presiding monk, and into the gathered assembly.
The perpendicular rows of monks also represent the concept of “Shugdrel” itself—literally translated as “men and gods seated in rows.” This arrangement mirrors the celestial gatherings described in Tantric Buddhism, where enlightened beings convene in structured harmony to receive offerings and bestow blessings. The symmetry and order of the seating reflect the spiritual clarity and purity of intention required for the ceremony to be effective, transforming the courtyard into a mandala of sacred energy.
Altogether, the spatial choreography of the Shugdrel Ceremony is a visual and spiritual enactment of Bhutanese cosmology. It reinforces the interconnectedness of place, time, master, retinue, and offerings—the five accomplished elements—while allowing participants to experience a moment of transcendence. In this sacred configuration, the monks become living extensions of the ritual itself, channeling centuries of devotion and spiritual lineage into a single, radiant moment of collective liberation.

Monks with large hand drums
The rhythmic pulse of large hand drums plays a vital role in both the ritual's structure and its spiritual resonance.

These drums, often held and played by senior monks, produce deep, reverberating sounds that guide the flow of the ceremony. Their beats mark transitions between chants, dances, and offerings, acting as sonic cues that synchronize the movements of the monks and the energy of the gathered crowd. In this way, the drums serve not only as musical instruments but as ritual tools that uphold the ceremony’s sacred timing and cohesion.
Symbolically, the sound of the hand drums is believed to echo the primordial vibration of the universe—often referred to in Vajrayana Buddhism as the “sound of emptiness.” This deep resonance is said to awaken dormant spiritual awareness in those who hear it, clearing mental distractions and preparing the mind for blessings and liberation. The drumbeat becomes a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms, calling forth deities and guiding the consciousness of participants toward higher states of realization.
Spiritually, the drums also represent the voice of the Dharma—the teachings of the Buddha—resounding across time and space. Their use during the Shugdrel Ceremony reinforces the presence of Guru Rinpoche, whose image is unfurled in the Great Paro Thongdrel. As the presiding monk faces the Thongdrel and the rows of monks chant in unison, the drumbeat amplifies the sacred atmosphere, transforming the courtyard into a mandala of sound and devotion. Each beat is a reminder of impermanence, a call to awaken, and an offering to the enlightened beings invoked during the ritual.
In essence, the large hand drums are not merely instruments of ceremony—they are vessels of spiritual power. Their sound carries centuries of tradition, invoking the blessings of the lineage and anchoring the ritual in both earthly and transcendent dimensions. Through their rhythm, the Shugdrel Ceremony becomes not just a performance, but a living transmission of Bhutanese spiritual heritage.

Pilgrims continue to enter through the opening at the base of Great Paro Thongdrel
At its base, a small opening allows pilgrims to pass through, one by one, in a ritual that is both intimate and profound.

This act of entering through the Thongdrel is believed to confer immense spiritual merit, as the image itself is said to liberate on sight. The pilgrims move slowly and reverently, many with heads bowed and hands clasped, carrying offerings of money, butter lamps, or symbolic items to leave at the altar beyond.
For many Bhutanese, this passage through the Thongdrel is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to receive blessings directly from the sacred image. The act is deeply personal—some seek healing, others pray for loved ones, and many simply hope to purify their karma. The offerings they make are not transactional but devotional, given with the belief that generosity opens the heart and aligns one with the compassionate energy of Guru Rinpoche. The atmosphere is hushed and reverent, punctuated only by the soft murmur of prayers and the rhythmic flutter of prayer flags overhead.
The monastery receives these offerings with gratitude, using them to sustain its spiritual and communal responsibilities. Funds help maintain the Dzong, support the monks’ education, and ensure that future festivals can continue to serve as spiritual touchstones for the community. In this way, the pilgrims’ gifts become part of a cycle of reciprocity—what is given in faith returns as blessings and spiritual nourishment for all.
This moment, when hundreds pass through the Thongdrel’s base, becomes a living tapestry of devotion. Each pilgrim adds their thread to the collective fabric of Bhutanese spirituality, reinforcing the values of compassion, humility, and interdependence. It’s not just a ritual—it’s a shared journey toward awakening, carried out in the shadow of one of Bhutan’s most sacred symbols.

Pilgrims queuing to put money in wooden boxes
In front of the revered image, wooden offering boxes are placed, and a long, orderly line of devotees begins to form.

Each pilgrim, often dressed in their finest traditional attire, approaches the boxes with quiet reverence, clutching small bills or coins. The act of placing money into these boxes is not merely a donation—it is a deeply spiritual gesture, a symbolic offering of gratitude, devotion, and hope for blessings.
For the pilgrims, these monetary offerings carry profound personal significance. Many believe that giving with a pure heart during the Shugdrel Ceremony helps accumulate merit, purify negative karma, and invite auspiciousness into their lives. The presence of the fully unfurled Thongdrel amplifies the spiritual potency of the moment, as it is said to liberate on sight. By contributing financially in this sacred setting, pilgrims feel they are participating in a timeless tradition that connects them to the enlightened beings and the spiritual lineage of Bhutan.
From the monastery’s perspective, these offerings are vital. The funds collected help sustain the monastic community, support religious education, and maintain the sacred spaces where rituals like the Shugdrel Ceremony are performed. They also enable the continuation of festivals that preserve Bhutan’s spiritual heritage and cultural identity. In this way, the offerings serve both practical and spiritual purposes—ensuring the monastery thrives while reinforcing the bond between the clergy and the lay community.
The line of pilgrims, stretching across the courtyard like a living thread of devotion, becomes a powerful visual metaphor for collective faith. Each contribution, no matter how modest, is a testament to the enduring reverence for Guru Rinpoche and the teachings he brought to Bhutan. In the rhythmic flow of offerings and prayers, the Shugdrel Ceremony transforms into a shared act of spiritual generosity, echoing the values of compassion, interdependence, and sacred continuity.

Incensing the pilgrims
During the Shugdrel Ceremony, the air becomes thick with the fragrant smoke of incense—a sacred element that carries deep symbolic and spiritual resonance in Bhutanese Buddhist tradition.

Pilgrims bring sticks of incense as offerings, lighting them with quiet reverence before placing them near altars or holding them aloft in prayer. The rising smoke is believed to carry their intentions, prayers, and karmic aspirations upward, bridging the earthly and spiritual realms. It’s a gesture of purification, meant to cleanse the mind and environment, and to invite blessings from Guru Rinpoche and the pantheon of protective deities.
Throughout the ceremony, several officials periodically move among the gathered spectators, gently wafting incense toward them. This act is more than ceremonial—it’s a spiritual embrace. The incense is believed to dispel negative energies and create a sacred space, enveloping each pilgrim in a cloud of sanctity. As the smoke curls around their bodies, many close their eyes and whisper mantras, feeling momentarily suspended between the material world and the divine. The officials, often monks or senior attendants, perform this rite with solemn grace, reinforcing the collective sanctity of the gathering.
For the pilgrims, being incensed during the ceremony is a moment of profound connection. It’s a shared experience that binds them to the spiritual lineage of Bhutan, to the teachings of Guru Rinpoche, and to one another. The scent of juniper, sandalwood, or other sacred herbs lingers in the air, creating a sensory tapestry that deepens the emotional and spiritual impact of the ceremony. It’s not uncommon for pilgrims to describe this moment as transformative—a fleeting but powerful encounter with the sacred.
In this way, incense becomes more than smoke—it becomes memory, prayer, and presence. It marks the Shugdrel Ceremony as a living ritual, where the invisible currents of devotion are made tangible. The act of incensing the crowd is a reminder that blessings are not confined to the altar but flow freely among the faithful, carried on the wind and woven into the very fabric of the festival.

Altar loaded with butter lamps and mostly assorted fruits
The Shugdrel Ceremony unfolds in a setting rich with sacred symbolism, and at its heart stands the altar—an ornate platform adorned with flickering butter lamps and vibrant assortments of fruits.

This altar is more than a decorative centerpiece; it is a spiritual conduit, a place where the material and the divine meet. The butter lamps, traditionally made from clarified yak butter or vegetable oil, represent the illumination of wisdom and the dispelling of ignorance. Their gentle glow is said to guide the spirits and invoke the blessings of Guru Rinpoche, whose image looms above in the Great Thongdrel.
The fruits placed on the altar carry their own layers of meaning. Apples, oranges, bananas, and other seasonal offerings are chosen not only for their abundance but for their symbolic purity and vitality. In Bhutanese Buddhist tradition, fruits represent the ripening of spiritual practice and the fruition of merit. Their natural sweetness and vibrant colors are seen as offerings of joy and prosperity, given with the intention of cultivating generosity and auspiciousness. Pilgrims often pause before the altar to reflect, pray, and make their own offerings, believing that such acts help purify karma and invite blessings into their lives.
Spiritually, the altar serves as a focal point for collective devotion. It anchors the ceremony in a shared space of reverence, where the community gathers to express gratitude and seek spiritual renewal. The butter lamps and fruits are not just offerings—they are manifestations of the pilgrims’ inner aspirations, transformed into tangible gifts for the divine. As the incense swirls and chants echo through the courtyard, the altar becomes a living symbol of Bhutanese faith, embodying the values of compassion, interdependence, and spiritual continuity.
In this sacred moment, the altar transcends its physical form. It becomes a mirror of the pilgrims’ hearts, reflecting their hopes, prayers, and devotion. The Shugdrel Ceremony, with its rich tapestry of ritual and symbolism, reminds all present that enlightenment is not a distant goal but a path illuminated by small, sincere acts—like lighting a lamp or offering a fruit with love.

Monk presiding over the ceremony
The Shugdrel Ceremony unfolds under the solemn guidance of a distinguished monk.

This presiding figure is immediately recognizable—completely clad in a flowing yellow robe, the color of supreme wisdom and spiritual authority in Vajrayana Buddhism. Atop his head rests a blue beret, a striking contrast that symbolizes clarity of mind and the vastness of the sky, often associated with enlightened awareness. His presence commands reverence, embodying the lineage of the Glorious Drukpa and the blessings of Guru Rinpoche.
Seated directly facing the Thongdrel, the monk assumes the role of spiritual anchor for the ceremony. His position is not merely ceremonial—it reflects his function as the conduit through which blessings are invoked and transmitted. As chants rise and offerings are made, he leads the ritual with precise gestures and sacred recitations, aligning the energies of the assembled monks, pilgrims, and deities. The yellow robe he wears is traditionally reserved for high-ranking clergy, signifying his deep spiritual attainment and his role as a guardian of Bhutanese religious tradition.
The blue beret, though less common in monastic attire, carries its own symbolic weight. In Bhutanese ritual contexts, such headwear may denote a specific ceremonial role or lineage affiliation. Its color evokes the boundless expanse of wisdom and the protective presence of celestial beings. When worn by the presiding monk, it marks him as a figure of both earthly discipline and transcendent insight—someone who bridges the visible and invisible realms during this sacred gathering.
Together, the monk’s attire and his central role in the Shugdrel Ceremony transform him into a living embodiment of the festival’s spiritual essence. He is not only a leader but a symbol—of devotion, continuity, and the enduring power of ritual to connect generations of Bhutanese practitioners with the enlightened teachings of their ancestors. His presence, framed by the towering Thongdrel and the rhythmic pulse of sacred music, anchors the ceremony in both tradition and transcendence.

Dakinis dance while monks play drums and long trumpets
the Shugdrel Ceremony reaches a moment of sublime beauty and spiritual resonance as the Dakinis take center stage.

These ethereal female figures, revered in Vajrayana Buddhism as embodiments of wisdom and enlightened energy, glide through the rows of seated monks in a dance that is both sacred and symbolic. Their movements are deliberate and graceful, weaving a path of spiritual invocation between the disciplined lines of monastic presence. This choreography is not random—it reflects the union of insight and method, feminine energy flowing through the structured order of the sangha.
The monks, seated in solemn meditation, provide a rhythmic foundation with the deep pulse of hand drums and the haunting call of long trumpets. These instruments do more than accompany the dance—they summon blessings, dispel negativity, and create a sonic landscape that elevates the ritual into a transcendent experience. The Dakinis respond to this sacred music with gestures that mirror the sound’s intention: purification, empowerment, and the awakening of inner wisdom. Their dance becomes a living mandala, activating the space with each step and turn.
As the Dakinis move between the monks, their presence transforms the courtyard into a dynamic field of spiritual energy. The contrast between their flowing robes and the stillness of the monks highlights the interplay of movement and stillness, form and emptiness. This moment in the Shugdrel Ceremony is not just visually captivating—it is a profound enactment of Tantric principles, where the divine feminine dances through the heart of tradition, reminding all present of the path to liberation.
The dance of the Dakinis is a highlight of the Paro Festival, not only for its aesthetic grace but for its spiritual depth. It invites the audience—monks, laypeople, and visitors alike—into a shared experience of devotion and awakening. In their passage through the rows of monks, the Dakinis embody the possibility of transformation, guiding the assembly toward a deeper connection with the sacred and the sublime.

Endless line of pilgrims throwing money into wooden boxes

Dakinis dancing
In Vajrayana Buddhism, Dakinis are revered as embodiments of enlightened feminine energy, often described as “sky dancers” or “space-goers.”

They symbolize wisdom, spiritual liberation, and the dynamic force of transformation. Far from being passive figures, Dakinis are seen as fierce and compassionate guides who help practitioners cut through illusion and awaken to deeper truths. Their presence in rituals and iconography reflects the belief that enlightenment is not a static state but a vibrant, ever-unfolding process.
The Shugdrel Ceremony on the fifth day of the Paro Tshechu Festival offers a vivid expression of this symbolism. During this sacred ritual, Dakinis dance through the rows of seated monks, weaving their way through the structured order of the sangha. This movement is deeply symbolic—it represents the integration of feminine wisdom within the disciplined framework of monastic life. As they glide between the monks, the Dakinis activate the space with spiritual energy, transforming the courtyard into a living mandala of devotion and insight.
Their dance is accompanied by the resonant sounds of hand drums and long trumpets played by the monks, creating a sonic landscape that amplifies the ritual’s spiritual potency. The music serves as both a call to awakening and a vehicle for purification, while the Dakinis’ gestures mirror the rhythm and intention of the ceremony. This interplay of sound and movement embodies the Tantric principle of union—method and wisdom, form and emptiness—coming together in a sacred performance.
In this context, the Dakinis are not just performers but spiritual catalysts. Their presence in the Shugdrel Ceremony reminds all who witness it that the path to enlightenment is dynamic and inclusive, embracing both the seen and unseen, the disciplined and the intuitive. They serve as living symbols of the possibility of transformation, guiding practitioners and observers alike toward a deeper connection with the sacred dimensions of existence.

Dakinis continue dancing along the rows of seated monks

Ritual of the sacred vessel and bowl with the eight auspicious symbols
At the heart of the Shugdrel Ceremony is the Bhumpa Ceremonial Offering Vase, a vessel filled with consecrated water believed to embody purity, wisdom, and the blessings of the Buddha.

The ritual begins with a solemn procession: a monk, robed in deep maroon, carries the Bhumpa in one hand and a cylindrical bowl engraved with the Eight Auspicious Symbols in the other. These symbols—such as the lotus, conch shell, and endless knot—represent the enlightened qualities and spiritual aspirations of Vajrayana Buddhism.
As the monk approaches the ceremonial platform, the atmosphere is hushed and reverent. The head monk, who presides over the ritual, is a striking figure—draped entirely in a flowing yellow robe and crowned with a traditional blue hat, signifying his spiritual authority and connection to the lineage of tantric masters. The monk carrying the vessels bows respectfully and offers the bowl to the head monk, who receives it with both hands, holding it steady as the ritual reaches its focal moment.
With deliberate grace, the monk lifts the Bhumpa and begins to pour the sacred liquid into the bowl now held by the head monk. This act is more than symbolic—it is a transmission of blessings, a purification of karmic obstacles, and an invocation of the enlightened energies represented by the Eight Symbols. The water, now infused with ritual intent, may later be sprinkled or distributed among the attendees, extending the ceremony’s spiritual benefits to all present.
This ritual is a vivid embodiment of Bhutanese Buddhist tradition, blending visual symbolism, sacred choreography, and deep spiritual meaning. It reflects the country’s devotion to Guru Rinpoche and the tantric path he introduced, and it serves as a reminder of the transformative power of ritual in connecting the earthly and the divine.

Padmasambhava observes the course of the ceremony

Spectators also closely follow the course of the ceremony

As the Shugdrel Ceremony progresses, the ritual deepens in symbolism and spiritual resonance.
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Following the initial offering of the sacred liquid into the bowl adorned with the Eight Auspicious Symbols, a new monk steps forward to receive the next phase of the blessing. He now holds the cylindrical bowl reverently, its surface gleaming with the intricate motifs that represent the enlightened qualities of the Buddha. The crowd watches in hushed anticipation as the first monk, prepares to perform the next sacred act.
With solemn precision, the first monk lifts the Bhumpa Ceremonial Offering Vase once more. This time, instead of pouring the liquid into the bowl, he gently tilts the vase so that the consecrated water flows over the head of the monk holding the bowl. The water cascades down, symbolizing a direct transmission of blessings, purification, and spiritual empowerment. This act is believed to cleanse karmic impurities and awaken the inner potential for enlightenment within the recipient. The Eight Symbols on the bowl serve as a visual invocation of the qualities being bestowed—wisdom, compassion, fearlessness, and spiritual abundance.
The monk receiving the water remains still and composed, embodying the humility and devotion required to accept such a profound blessing. Around them, the gathered devotees and monks chant mantras softly, their voices weaving a sacred soundscape that amplifies the ritual’s potency. The moment is both intimate and communal—while one monk receives the water, the entire assembly shares in the spiritual merit generated by the act.
This continuation of the Shugdrel Ceremony is a vivid expression of Bhutanese Vajrayana tradition, where ritual is not merely performance but a living transmission of sacred energy. It reflects the deep reverence for lineage, symbolism, and the transformative power of devotion. In this moment, the boundaries between the physical and spiritual dissolve, and the Paro Festival becomes a gateway to awakening.