The Jambay Lhakhang Singye Cham is an annual festival held at Jambay Lhakhang, a historic temple located in the Choekhor Valley of Bumthang, Bhutan. Traditionally, this festival takes place on the 15th day of the 10th month of the Bhutanese lunar calendar, which typically falls in December.
The centerpiece of the festival is the Singye Cham, or Lion Dance, performed to honor the lion that accompanied the revered Jowo statue from Lhasa, Tibet, to Jambay Lhakhang. According to legend, the Jowo of Lhasa, Jambay Lhakhang, and Kyichu Lhakhang are considered siblings who reunite at Jambay Lhakhang during this festival for an annual meeting.
During the Singye Cham, dancers don elaborate lion costumes and masks, symbolizing the strength and courage associated with Guru Rinpoche's triumph over negative forces. The performance is not only a visual spectacle but also a profound spiritual expression, reflecting Bhutanese devotion and cultural heritage.
Attending the Jambay Lhakhang Singye Cham offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in Bhutan's rich traditions and witness a sacred dance that has been preserved for centuries.