Jampa Lhakhang Festival
Venue: Jampa Lhakhang (Bumthang) grounds
Total Duration: 10 days
Other places: Western and Central Bhutan.
Entry : Paro
Exit: Paro
The Naked Dance of Jampa Lhakhang Drub is one of the most unique amongst scared mask dances held around the country. At midnight, 16 naked men perform the sacred dance, which has its origin in the 8th century.
It is said that the dance was first held in Nabjikorphu in Trongsa by the great treasure discoverer, Tertoen Dorji Lingpa, on the prophecy of Guru Rinpoche. Like several dances, this has a story, too.
Legend has it that a band of devils were obstructing the construction of a Lhakhang (Temple) in Nabjikorphu, delaying the work. As a ruse and to distract the devils, Terton Dorji Lingpa launched the naked dance. It served the purpose as the outrageous antics of the naked performers during the dance kept the devils spellbound. The construction was thus completed. The dance reached Jampa lhakhang as Terton Dorji Lingpa also consecrated Jampa lhakhang.
This dance is performed by selected men from the four villages of Jampa lhakhang, Nobgang, Changwa and Nashphey.
The main high light of this festival is ‘the scared naked dance known as Ter Cham and Mewang-the fire blessing’. A fire dance or Mewang is held in the evening to bless the infertile women so that they may bear the children.