Tshechu Festival at Helambu or Chhechu, is a vibrant cultural and spiritual festival celebrated by the Hyolmo community in Nepal’s Helambu region. “Tshechu” literally translates to “tenth day” in Tibetan. It is the auspicious day to honors the birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche. The festival features vibrant mask dances by Lamas (Ba Chhyam), symbolic of the battle between deities and demons, along with Syabru circle dances, communal feasts, bonfires, and mantras.
The Helambu region, home to the Hyolmo, is a popular trekking destination famous for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural attractions. The region is a hidden treasure blessed by the great master of Tibetan Buddhism, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). Helambu is famous as the place where Padmasambhava meditated in its pristine caves in the region. He is well-known for spreading tantric Buddhism throughout Tibet and the Himalayas.
Hyolmo, also called Helambu Sherpas, are an indigenous group from the Helambu region north of Kathmandu. The Nepalese government recognized Hyolmo as separate indigenous group with their own unique culture, language, and traditions. They follow especially the Nyingma, also referred to as Ngangyur, the oldest of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The Hyolmo mainly live in the Helambu region, especially in the valleys of northeastern Nepal, including parts of Sindhupalchowk, Nuwakot, and Rasuwa districts. Hyolmo speaks the Tibeto-Burman language closely related to Kyirong Tibetan.
Experience the distinct Hyolmo (Helambu Sherpa) culture mainly in the upper regions of Nuwakot and Sindhupalchowk districts. The Helambu Sherpa, also known as Hyolmo, are culturally and linguistically distinct from other Sherpa communities, especially those from the Everest and eastern Himalayan regions. Helambu Sherpas, or Hyolmo, differ from other Sherpas in language, culture, and traditions. They speak the Hyolmo language, closely related to Kyirong Tibetan, while other Sherpas speak a dialect closer to central Tibetan. Their unique festivals, like Hyolmo Tshechu, traditional dress, and rituals set them apart from eastern Sherpas, who celebrate festivals like Mani Rimdu and follow different customs.
Tshechu annually starts after Sonam Lhosar, the community’s New Year. Observed across villages in the Sindhupalchowk district. Like Sermathang, Tarkeghyang, Melemchighyang, Nakote, Kutumsang, Ghangyul,Tshengyunche, Tapkharka, and Kaje. It is celebrated in the villages of Maghu and Bolongse in Nuwakot. The festival falls on different month dates in these villages on the tenth day following the lunar calendar.
Tshechu is a joyful time of music, ritual, and unity, celebrated with great enthusiasm from morning till night. It brings together people from different villages to celebrate with mask dances, rituals, music, and feasting. Families reunite, neighbors strengthen bonds, and the younger generation connects with their cultural roots. The festival fosters a strong sense of community, identity, and shared heritage.
To conclude, Tshechu is a vibrant mix of devotion, celebration, and community spirit. Bringing together people from across the Helambu valleys in a colorful display of Hyolmo heritage. Significantly, the festival of Tshechu culminates on the final day with the ‘Wong’ blessing ceremony. During which the Lama priest offers blessings to all attendees.
Blog and Photos By: Lhakpa Gyalbu Hyolmo