Much like its name, the Black Necked Crane Festival is one of the most famous Bhutanese festivals. It is held once a year, and during that time, attracts an impressive number of people, both locals and tourists. It is another of those festivals which you should not miss on your visit to Bhutan.
Every year, the Black Necked Crane Festival is held in the Gangtey Gompa in the Phobjikha Valley. Gangtey Gompa, or monastery, is one of the most important monasteries of the Nyingma School of Buddhism. The monastery traces its history back to the early 17th century. Located in the Wangdue Phodrang district of Bhutan, it is named after a village by the same name which surrounds it. With the arrival of the winter season, the black necked cranes visit central Bhutan to roost. When they arrive, they circle the monastery thrice and do the same while departing.
During the course of this festival, several types of cultural programmes are held. Mask dances are performed, much to the delight of onlookers. All of these have as their focus the conservation of black necked cranes. This message is also sought to be delivered through dramas. It is an exciting time to be in Bhutan, and certainly, this is one of the festivals which you should not miss.
