The dances and devotions are only one aspect of the fête!
People watching, sharing news, eating and drinking, shopping for
bargains, playing games and courting are all part of the occasion.
The Gomphu Kora Tsechu is unusual in that the kora around the lhakang
continues throughout the nights of the festival, involving a high
degree of
liaison between couples, and leading to a large number of marriages...
The dancers and singers anticipate the arrival of Guru Rinpoche.
Girls from Aranuchal Pradesh in India (left),
and Brokpas (right),
who will have walked for days to attend the Tsechu
Guru Rinpoche (with sacred umbrella) finally appears,
to receive the devotions of all.