The Thimphu Tshechu was a truly spiritual pilgrimage for me. I had read about the Cham dances and their power to purify karma and bless those in attendance, but witnessing them in person was something else entirely. The sight of monks dancing in elaborate costumes and masks while chanting prayers brought me to tears. It wasn’t just a performance — it was a living form of devotion. The crowds were large, but everyone remained respectful and focused. The ambiance, the incense, and the prayers in the air made it a deeply moving experience. For Buddhist practitioners, this is not just a festival, it’s a powerful spiritual event.