Ache Lhamo

The Ache Lhamo dance is performed by the people of Merak Sakteng and Shingkhar Laurey areas in extreme eastern parts of Bhutan. They are similar to the operatic performance of Ache Lhamo which is popular among the Tibetans. The dancers wear pale red tunics and a ri-nga head dress with frills. They are also decorated with silk scarves and their movements follow the cymbal and drum which is used the musicians. The Ache Lhamo drama generally narrates the journeys of the righteous king Norzang and his relationship with a celestial lady. The dance has a religious significane and is performed as an act of worship by the people of Merak, Sakteng and Shingkhar Laurey. The chief deity, played a man in mask, is riding a yak in this dance.