Across Bhutan, Tsechu festivals take place in the Dzongs, or fortresses, that are in the largest towns. Each commemorates through dance elements of the story of Guru Rinpoche (Padasambava), who brought Buddhism to Bhutan. My family and I were fortunate to have been able to attend this year's Tsechu in Paro, which is one of the largest. While tourists are present, these are not tourist events, but rather serious springtime Buddhist rituals dating back hundreds of years. What you see here includes the Black Hat dance, for which the Paro Tsechu is renowned.

All photos taken with a Leica M8, and either the 50 mm Summilux or 75 mm Summicron lenses.