An Atsara at Royal Thimphu College’s International Festival on October 30, 2024.

I’ve had to do some research on what exactly an Atsara is.

Ok, right off the bat, they ARE clowns, like jesters, BUT they are also spiritual teachers, storytellers, and masters of ceremonies of special events. The blood red mask, which symbolizes burning passion, is set with a perpetual grin and something swinging from the top of its head. That thing swinging, is a phallus. Phalluses are not only a symbol of good luck, fertility, and family harmony, they are also used to ward off evil spirits.

Atsaras represent the aspects of Buddhism of being open, jovial, and liberal. They teach us to rise above and to let things go. Atsaras are enlightened beings who don’t experience human frailties like anger, desire, shame, or petty likes. They want for nothing and do not covet. “Legend has it that Atsaras were among the Dupthob Gyabchu, the Buddha’s disciples. 84 Dupthobs, who had detached themselves from worldly desires and attachments, roamed the world, mocking worldly objects to overcome evil” (Ping, C. Daily Bhutan, 2021.)

They can be vulgar and use foul language against evil forces. They don’t comprehend hesitation, embarrassment, or reservation.

While some wave them off as clowns, they are much more than that and they are sent to get people to enjoy their lives and to unleash their shackles and to become free spirits.

And, like at this festival at RTC, they can be a master of ceremonies where they entertain, as well as control the audience, and do their best to ensure that the entire event runs smoothly. Which, it did.

30oct2024, Thimphu, Bhutan