Atsaras, Jampey Lhakhang Drop Tsechu, Bhutan
The Atsara is an integral part of many Bhutanese festivals. Primarily an agent of mirth and merriment, the red faced comical characters are generally thought of as clowns, wielding phalluses at tshechu festivals. The Atsara character, however, is more than just entertainment. The Atsara combines the spirits of the sacred and the profane, wit and wisdom, humour and responsibility. He uses his pranks to help his audiences not only to forget their worries and problems but also to prod them to overcome their sense of self-importance, hypocrisy and false propriety.
Atsaras, Jampey Lhakhang Drop Tsechu, Bhutan
The Atsara is an integral part of many Bhutanese festivals. Primarily an agent of mirth and merriment, the red faced comical characters are generally thought of as clowns, wielding phalluses at tshechu festivals. The Atsara character, however, is more than just entertainment. The Atsara combines the spirits of the sacred and the profane, wit and wisdom, humour and responsibility. He uses his pranks to help his audiences not only to forget their worries and problems but also to prod them to overcome their sense of self-importance, hypocrisy and false propriety.