Experience Haa’s Living Traditions
Haa’s festivals are deeply rooted in folklore, spiritual belief, and community spirit. Each celebration welcomes visitors as family, offering songs, dances, and feasts against the valley’s breathtaking backdrop.
Lomba- Regional New Year (Winter, 29th Day of 10th Lunar Month)
Haa’s New Year celebration is a cleansing ritual marking renewal, celebrated at the end of harvest season. Families prepare Hoentey dumplings, light fires, and celebrate with dance and archery. Lomba is celebrated on the 29th day of the 9th lunar month annually.
Haa Spring Festival
It is a lively and uplifting celebration of traditional living-culture and nomadic lifestyles. It provides unparalleled insight into the lives and traditions of Bhutan’s nomadic herders. It offers the opportunities to experience authentic Bhutanese cultures including traditional shamanic performances, dances and songs, horse riding and yak riding, sports activities, flower shows, agriculture and livestock products exhibition, tasting of local cuisines, etc.
Yangthang Bangko
Yangthang Bongko is a celebration of victory and honouring of warriors who had braved the Tibetan invasion. The brave men of Yangthang were the majority to have served as army to defend the Haa valley. During the event, the head astrologer lays out detailed spiritual practices to be conducted for the general wellbeing of the people of Yangthang.
Haa Festival
The popular annual Haa festival is held in September in the main courtyard of historic Lhakhang Karpo. During the three days event, people from all walks of life show up to seek blessings for good health, prosperity and well being. Asides, the Haa IMPART community brings in various cultural and military performances on public display to honor India Bhutan friendship. The famous Haa Mela/Funfair event serves as an attraction to folks from Paro and Thimphu.
Ap Chhundu Lhasey (November 1)
The grandest festival in Haa, honoring the mighty local deity Ap Chhundu. Join the ceremonial Chhipdrel procession that begins at 4:30 in the morning and witness the unique blend of faith and festivity, dating back to the 17th century.
Rongtse Tshechu (10th Day of 10th Lunar Month)
A sacred forest festival held at the base of the Rongtse Cave, with mask dances, blessings, and traditional songs.
A full calendar of community-led and seasonal events—including Haa Tshechu, Mangdha Archery Festival, and Lhochoe communal feasts—will soon be available.
